This is the first time that a regulatory body has permitted an industrial house a trial flight. Essar will use the helicopter for ferrying executives only from the corporate headquarters to the airport, cutting travel time, airport sources said today.

Essar had first sought DGCA's permission in 1994. The company has been instructed to use a Dauphin SA 365 type helicopter for vertical take-off and landing. No surface movement will be allowed, said sources.

The DGCA has also made it clear that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Air Traffic Control will be involved in this the trial flight, which must have an experienced pilot as well as one of its officials on board.