Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio flagged off the helicopter service for the welfare of the people of Nagaland from Dimapur Airport on July 12, 2023.

In his brief address, Rio noted that travelling by chopper was much cheaper.

He further urged Thumby Aviation Private Limited to provide good services, and reminded them of the regular distribution of schedules.

He also underscored the need for two choppers to be operational so that one could regularly cater to the needs and welfare of the people, especially the sick and the elderly.

"We also need chopper service during VIP visits and for the movement of VIP and official visits in far-flung areas," Rio said.

The Nagaland CM also said that chopper services should be available during the Hornbill Festival, so that tourists can visit the famed and beautiful Dzukou Valley.

With the signing of the MoU with the Government of Nagaland for another 4 years, Rio was optimistic that Thumby Aviation Private Limited under MHA would be better equipped to render services to the people of the sate.

It may be mentioned here that helicopter service was introduced in Nagaland back in 1988, which, however, was discontinued due to an unfortunate crash in February 1989.

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The helicopter services were re-introduced in Nagaland in 2007 under the personal initiative of Neiphiu Rio, and since then, they have been rendering services.

Due to the heavy demand for the service, the state government has taken the initiative with the MHA, and now flying hours have been increased from 480 hours to 600 hours per annum for the benefit of the people.

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