Helicopter rides may cost more

From horse-drawn carriages to helicopters, weddings in Bangladesh have taken flight -- literally. What was once a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich has become an aspirational trend among the middle class in recent years.

But those lofty dreams could soon be grounded, as the government plans to raise import duties on helicopters in the upcoming national budget.

The finance ministry has proposed a hike in helicopter import duty, from the current 10 percent to a combined 37 percent, for the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26.

This includes 10 percent customs duty, 15 percent value-added tax (VAT), 5 percent advance tax, and 5 percent advance income tax, according to finance ministry officials.

Local aviation operators say this import duty increase will push up rental prices, making helicopter rides far less accessible.

In recent years, more middle-income families have been opting for helicopters, especially for weddings and other social occasions, according to the Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB).  

The starting fare, they say, runs into several lakh taka. It is still expensive, but not completely out of reach for many.

Helicopters are also becoming increasingly common for political events, high-profile social functions, and even as a quick escape from traffic snarls during Eid rush. Many wealthy families have been using them as a time-saving alternative to congested road travel.

Helicopters are also becoming a popular choice for media coverage of urgent news, as well as for film and drama shoots.

According to the AOAB, more than a dozen private firms currently offer commercial helicopter services.

Among others, these include Square Air Limited, Meghna Aviation, Impress Aviation, Bashundhara Airlines, South Asian Airlines, BCL Aviation, R & R Aviation, Bangla International Airlines, BRB Air, and Beximco Air.

In mid-2023, Chattogram Helicopter and Air Service launched routes between Chattogram-Dhaka and Chattogram-Cox's Bazar.

They also offered a tour service of Chattogram City for just Tk 4,999 per passenger, though the service was later discontinued.

Customs officials say Bangladesh mainly imports two categories of helicopters -- military-grade models and commercial ones that vary by weight.

Lighter helicopters, usually under two tonnes, come with a single engine and four seats, while the heavier models have dual engines and can carry up to six passengers.