JUSTIN WASTNAGE / SÃO PAULO
Brazilian programme will begin operations with Cessna Citations and Embraer Legacys
Brazilian helicopter fractional ownership programme Helisolutions is close to concluding finance deals with the first 18 owners in its Jet Solutions fixed-wing scheme. Brazil's first fixed-wing fractional programme will start operations with two Cessna Citation CJ2 and two Embraer Legacy jets, once joint ownership contracts are signed by the end of April.
Allan Paiotti, president of Helisolutions, says: "Last year's economic situation and presidential elections in Brazil shifted the decision-making process of its launch customers by several months, but the programme is now back on track." The scheme, which includes the financial involvement of Cessna, Embraer and TAM, was launched last year. The scheme's initial customers, including banks, telecoms companies and beverage conglomerates, have committed to one-quarter and one-fifth shares, and credit audits are under way. Several customers have chosen not to own the aircraft, instead paying an equivalent sum to gain access to flight hours, which has caused legal complications in the final agreement, says Paiotti.
The first four aircraft will be based at S‹o Paulo's Congonhas domestic airport, but one of the CJ2s is likely to spend around half of its time at Rio de Janeiro's Santos Dumont Airport. Jet Solutions will also offer Cessna Citation Encore and Excel aircraft in the future.
Helisolutions is due to launch a second base in Rio de Janeiro before year-end. Paiotti estimates the market in Rio to be worth around 40% of that in S‹o Paulo, which sees extensive use of corporate helicopter shuttles to combat traffic and personal security concerns.
Campo de Marte-based Helisolutions will take delivery of a Bell 430 intermediate twin in May, which takes its mixed Bell/Eurocopter/Robinson fleet to 14. The Rio operation would start with one Robinson R44 shared by around 10 owners, plus a back-up machine.
Source: Flight International
