Govind Nair: Soaring High with Heli-Taxis in Bengaluru

Govind Nair had the idea for a ground-breaking business venture in the middle of Bengaluru’s infamous traffic jams. The inception of India’s first heli-taxi service began with Govind’s lighthearted appeal to his father, KNG Nair, while he was stuck in an exhausting trip from Electronic City to the airport. Govind Nair is now the CEO of Thumby Aviation Private Ltd, a Kerala-based business that revolutionised urban mobility when it introduced the nation’s first heli-taxi service.

Thumby Aviation’s heli-taxi service took flight on March 6, 2023, offering a swift and efficient alternative for commuters grappling with Bengaluru’s traffic woes. The maiden journey from Electronic City to Kempegowda International Airport covered a distance of 65 kilometers in under 30 minutes, providing a tantalizing solution to the city’s congestion problems.

The heli-taxi service currently operates with a single helicopter, a six-seater Bell 407, shuttling passengers during two daily shifts. With services available every half hour between 6 am and 9.30 am, as well as 3.30 pm and 6 pm, the heli-taxi offers a quick and convenient option for travelers. Priced at ₹3,500 per seat (excluding GST), the heli-taxi’s cost compares favorably to premium cab services and offers a significant time-saving advantage.

Govind Nair, at the age of 29, spearheads the expansion of Thumby Aviation into the consumer space, bringing the benefits of heli-taxi services directly to the public. The company’s foray into heli-taxis was prompted by a meticulous year-long research effort, identifying the immense potential for this innovative transportation solution. Recognizing that the average commute to the airport exceeded two hours for many, Thumby Aviation saw an opportunity to address a significant pain point in urban travel.

While heli-taxis are a familiar concept in countries like Brazil and Indonesia, they are relatively new to India. However, the response to Thumby Aviation’s heli-taxi service has been positive, with over 13,000 downloads of the HeliTaxii app and 90 passengers flown within the first two weeks. The clientele is diverse, ranging from families and airport travelers to corporate clients and foreigners.

Thumby Aviation’s ambitions extend beyond Bengaluru, with plans to increase its network in the city, operate night services, and connect more helipads. The company is also eyeing expansion into other Indian cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai. Govind Nair envisions a pan-India presence and is exploring potential collaborations with airlines and online travel agencies to further propel the heli-taxi concept.

With zero debt and an authorized share capital of ₹5 crore, Thumby Aviation, owned by KNG Nair and his wife, is on a trajectory of growth and innovation. Govind Nair’s strategic vision positions Thumby Aviation as a pioneer in redefining urban transportation in India. As the heli-taxi service continues to capture the imagination of commuters seeking efficient and time-saving options, Govind Nair stands at the forefront of a transformative journey in the country’s aviation landscape.