PESHAWAR, April 7: The NWFP government has decided to purchase two helicopters to be used by VIPs, including governor and the chief minister. The provincial government was planning to buy one new, used or overhauled Mi-17 helicopter and one 350B/350B3 Ecureuil helicopter for VIPs, official sources said.

The provincial government planned to buy two Alloute helicopters earlier for the VIP duty but since they were smaller and could not be used in relief operations in times of emergency, the provincial government dropped the idea of purchasing them.

The provincial government will soon invite bids from manufacturers of helicopters in the private sector.

At present, the governor and the chief minister use rented helicopters from the Peshawar Flying Club and the Askari Aviation. The NWFP government pays more than Rs50,000 per hour for hiring these helicopters.