UK Helicopter Charter Demand on the Increase Despite the Winter Cold Snap

Online, November 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Helicopter Charter on the Increase During the Winter Period

Aviation experts have announced that despite the credit crunch woes affecting the majority of the transport industry, helicopter charter is set to make a rapid revival, with many helicopter hire firms experiencing an increased demand especially for business & Private travel.

Mike Burns, Chief Executive and pilot at Atlas Helicopters, who have been experiencing business growth despite the economic conditions, said, "We are delighted that our helicopter charter service is going from strength to strength, but it just goes to show that there is such a demand for this type of travel, especially for businesses." With business owners having to travel further and more often to secure that all important deal, helicopter charter and helicopter hire is becoming an essential travel option.

With congested roads, the ever-rising cost of commercial flights and unreliable rail networks, helicopter charter has not only bucked the national trend by flying through the credit crunch unscathed but it has also shown that in 2010, the business traveller is looking for something extra.

Not only does helicopter travel remove the stress of airports, traffic jams and public transport, it also diminishes the need for time away from home and the cost of overnight accommodation. Cruising at speeds of 140 mile per hour and a maximum range of 420 miles, helicopter charter can allow you to make multiple visits in one day and still have you back in time to make a dinner date that very evening.

Moving into the Winter Season when the demand for helicopter charter and helicopter hire usually lessens, Atlas Helicopters has shown significant growth within the shooting and fishing market. Financial institutions are beginning to reward their staff and also entertain clients at such venues and Atlas Helicopters has already travelled to North Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall this Winter period on such trips.

Mr Burns added, "There is often a misconception that helicopter flights are extremely expensive, but many are realising that this is not the case at all. This maybe a reason why we have experienced such a demand. By the time you have paid your fuel costs, driven to your venue of choice, started to look rather dishevelled as you arrive at your hotel or lodge, you could have arrived at your destination hours earlier in time to maximise your day and evening. Your client's clients are all the more impressed with the fast and direct helicopter transfer.

Captain Burns added, "At Atlas, we now have a fleet of four AS355 Twin Squirrel's and one Bell 206L LongRanger, but expanding may soon be on cards which is an exciting prospect."

Launched in 2008, Atlas has also developed a new approach to helicopter charter and helicopter hire with a unique scheme designed to give frequent flyers guaranteed availability. The Atlas Advantage programme blocks out flying hours for card holders, giving businesses and their executives the convenience of having a helicopter on standby without the associated costs of physically owning a helicopter. The Programmes are sold in three levels dependent upon the client's exact requirements.