Member Article

Helicopter firm acquired by Midlands rival

Heli North West, which is based at City Airport & Heliport in Manchester, has been acquired by onshore helicopter operator Heli Air.

The new operation, Heli Air Manchester, will be part of a fleet of R22, R44, R66 and Bell 206 helicopters offering services including charter flights and helicopter pilot training.

The move enables the firm to capitalise on the region’s affluent sporting, celebrity and business communities.

Experienced pilot Alex Brown is the new manager of the base, supported by two full-time staff pilots.

Brian Kane, Heli Air’s head of sales and marketing, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to purchase Heli North West as the opening of Heli Air Manchester represents a major step forward in our plans to establish a truly national network of bases.

“With each of our bases offering a full range of services, supported by our national resources, we are able to offer an unrivalled level of customer service.”

Heli Air aims to eventually have a team of 10 staff at its new base.

Mr Kane added: “For business people, travelling by helicopter is becoming increasingly popular, due to huge congestion on the roads.

“There is no question that, even with technological advancements, people still like doing deals face-to-face and this gives them the opportunity to travel between places at a fraction of the time it would take them by road.”

Heli Air Manchester adds to the company’s bases in Cheltenham, Uxbridge, Silverstone in Northamptonshire, Surrey and Hampshire.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .