The West Bengal government's helicopter services from Kolkata to Malda started on Wednesday with its maiden flight reaching Malda aerodrome at around 12.15pm. 

Five passengers came from Kolkata by the service, which has been priced at Rs 1,300 per seat. 

State tourism minister Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury and state social welfare minister Sabitri Mitra were present at the aerodrome when the helicopter reached there after a 40-minute flight from the Behala Flying Club in Kolkata. 

The state transport department had signed a MoU with Pawan Hans Limited for the service.