Kalyan Jewellers has acquired a twin-engine, Canadian-made Bell 427 helicopter

KOCHI: To support its rapid business growth and expansion across India, Kalyan Jewellers has acquired a twin-engine, Canadian-made Bell 427 helicopter. It will be the first privately-owned helicopter in Kerala, costing approximately Rs 48 crore.

The company had acquired a private jet, an Embraer for business related travel of its senior executives recently. The helicopter, which can fly six passengers besides two pilots, has its interiors designed specifically for conducting short duration meetings. The helicopter will reach the Kalyan Jewellers headquarters at Thrissur on October 12.

With the acquisition of the helicopter, the management team is expected to make significant savings in terms of time in the belts where there are no airports. Around 35 showrooms of Kalyan Jewellers are in such areas. Flying expenses per hour will be approximately Rs 1 lakh and the maintenance expenses will be Rs 3 crore a year.

Kalyan Jewellers is the single largest directly owned jewellery retail chain in the country with 52 branches spread across India. In 2014-15, the company is targeting a total turnover of Rs 20,000 crore.