The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the travel industry. Airlines had to slash flights and cut capacity because people were afraid of traveling. But commercial air travel isn’t the only aviation sector affected by Covid-19, the charter helicopter industry has also taken a hit. These charter companies offer sightseeing tours of large cities and natural wonders, as well as flights that ferry passengers to airports and city centers.
When the pandemic began, these charter companies had to cut flights in response to decreasing customer demand. But they quickly figured out how to pivot and make people feel comfortable taking tours again. Like most travel companies, helicopter charter operators now require passengers to wear masks, undergo temperature checks, improve ventilation and filtration, and perform deep cleanings in all helicopters between flights. These new protocols have not only brought passengers back but in many cases, have actually improved service.
All that said, helicopter charter companies are still at the mercy of local and national regulations. As governments around the world try to stay one step ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic, charter operators must be able to quickly pivot to new regulations or risk going out of business or being shut down by the government.
Why Charter A Helicopter?
Flying in a helicopter is very different from flying in a plane. Helicopters lift off the ground and are high in the air in seconds. There are no taxiways or runways, so airport congestion is never an issue. Further, helicopters can also land in remote areas where an airport might not be around for hundreds of miles. This makes them perfect for sightseeing in areas far away from civilization, like remote areas of the Australian outback.
Because of their maneuverability, helicopters are perfect for getting a breathtaking view of a city. The helicopter can show passengers all the sights at a relaxed speed, even hovering close to something interesting to get a better view of a landmark. This also makes it much easier for passengers to get some great photographs while flying.
Types Of Charters
There are three main types of helicopter charters. The following will summarize each:
Sightseeing Tours: These are by far the most popular. As mentioned above, helicopters are perfect for sightseeing because they can maneuver so easily in areas where fixed-wing aircraft cannot. Sightseeing tours are usually available in large cities and areas of natural beauty. For example, New York City, Las Vegas, Sydney, Brisbane, and other large cities are popular areas for sightseeing tours. People also like to see areas like the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the beauty of the Hawaiian islands.
Private Charters To Different Destinations: Helicopters are often chartered to transport people to airports, allowing them to avoid traffic. This means a commute to the airport that might take an hour, can be cut down to fifteen minutes. For busy businessmen, this is more time for work rather than sitting in a car. Private charters can also take people to more remote places not accessible by cars or planes. For example, people will charter a helicopter to take them to remote mountain areas for extreme snow skiing.
Photography: Helicopters are frequently used in aerial photography because more areas are accessible to helicopters. Also, their ability to hover allows for the photographer to get multiple shots from the same vantage point without worrying about having to fly back around for another try. Filmmakers often use helicopters for aerial videography, helping make great scenic panoramas or fast-flying action-adventure scenes. If you have a knack for photography and want to try something completely new, most helicopter charter companies offer photography charters. They’ll probably cost more than a sightseeing tour because you’re using the helicopter all by yourself, but your flight will be highly customizable.
Helicopter Charters Near You
Even with increased safety protocols, the core product remains the same: giving passengers quality sightseeing tours and the best charter experience possible. When researching helicopter charter companies, it’s best to check out the top charter companies in the area you want to see. For example, in the Brisbane area, this would be Bekaa Air helicopters. They offer sightseeing, private charters, and aerial photography. They have also implemented comprehensive Covid-19 mitigation strategies to keep passengers and crew safe so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy this unique way of traveling.
