CHARTER flights operator AirTaxi.ph is expanding its fleet with the acquisition of a new single-engine helicopter from Airbus.
The carrier said in a statement on Wednesday the H130 helicopter will be used for transporting passengers and sightseeing services in the islands in the south of the country, which include Manila, Clark, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan.
“We are excited to introduce the first H130 into our expanding fleet. Having experienced the outstanding performance of the twin-engine H145 and the success it has brought us, we are confident that the H130 is a timely and ideal addition to meet our needs as we grow our operations in the Philippines,” AirTaxi.ph executive vice-president Peter Angelo Rodriguez said in the statement.
In its website, Airbus Helicopters said the H130 could carry up to eight passengers including the pilot.
“We are delighted that AirTaxi.ph has chosen our H130 to bolster their current helicopter fleet for heli-tourism. We are confident that the highly agile and high performing H130 will fulfil every mission excellently, and lives up to its reputation as the best-selling helicopter in the Philippines,” Airbus Helicopters Philippines managing director Lionel de Maupeou was quoted as saying.
AirTaxi.ph said it currently operates two H145 helicopters, which have flights to Manila, Clark, Boracay, Cebu, Panglao and Puerto Princesa. It said in an email to BusinessWorld its website its fleet is composed of 27 aircraft. — Denise A. Valdez
