Bombardier Skyjet has launched a private helicopter-to-business jet service in the New York area for its ad hoc and Premier Fleet block charter customers. It says the service is designed to provide an alternative to the Teterboro business aviation airport, where heavy air traffic, particularly during peak periods, is causing delays.
Skyjet has appointed helicopter operator Summit Aviation to transport customers in a Eurocopter EC135 from three heliports in Manhattan to their aircraft at Republic airport in East Farmingdale. The service is also available from Manhattan to any location in greater New York.
The Fairfax, Virginia-based charter provider says the cost of the 18min helicopter trip is about $1,300, "but this expense can be offset by the additional flight time needed for departures from Teterboro". Teterboro has slightly higher landing fees, says Skyjet, and the helicopter trip eliminates the cost of ground transport from Manhattan.
The service may be rolled out at other US cities, such as Chicago Los Angeles, as demand grows.
Source: Flight International
