TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Seven things to know about the Helicity chopper rides
Change Size
Whitesky currently operates three helicopters and is set to increase the number to 30 within the next five years (Courtesy of/www.whitesky.co.id)
A
new mode of public transportation was launched earlier this week, as PT Whitesky Aviation commenced operation of its helicopter service with its first route from Jakarta to West Java's capital of Bandung.
Denon Prawiraatmadja, PT Whitesky Aviation’s CEO, said Helicity not only offers inter-city connectivity services, but it also cooperates with the Tourism Ministry to develop tourism in Indonesia.
As the helicopter service has become more accessible to the public, kompas.com listed seven important facts to know about Helicity.
1. There are still only three helicopters with more to come
Denon said currently there are three helicopters available. Whitesky is set to increase the number to 30 within the next five years.
2. Imported helicopters
The three operating helicopters have been imported from the United States and France. The helicopters were made in 2017.
3. Inspired by other countries
Denon explained that Helicity was inspired by other countries that have implemented the concept. He forged his own business in 2014. At the time, he said, the company had only provided helicopters for private charter.
Read also: Whitesky kicks off Jakarta-Bandung helicopter service
4. There are several routes
The company travels to a number of destinations, including Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, Thousand Islands, Bandung, Sukabumi, Cirebon and Bali.
For departure from Jakarta, take off could be from a field or the helispot atop Wisma Aldiron Pancoran. The destination can be determined by the passenger.
The routes include Jakarta-Bandung, Jakarta-Bogor, Jakarta-Anyer, as well as Balik-Lombok, Bali-Gili Trawangan.
5. Prices start at Rp 5 million
The company will have a promotion for a flight around Jakarta at Rp 5 million (US$369) and a Jakarta-Bandung trip for Rp 14 million from Dec. 5 until Jan. 5. The prices are for one helicopter with a capacity for four people.
Meanwhile, regular prices are set according to the type of helicopter, which could determine the number of passengers -- from four to seven. It also depends on the duration of the flight, which is counted in blocks of 15 minutes.
For each trip, there is a helispot fee of Rp 2 million for take-off and landing. The total charge is only for one trip and includes insurance. However, it does not include taxes, which is an additional 10 percent of the total.
6. No night flights yet
Denon said night flights are not yet available, with services only running from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. He added that helicopter pilots and operators for night flights must have special certification.
7. Reservation
Customers must first make a reservation to fly with Helicity, which can be done by calling the call center or sending an e-mail.
Denon suggests booking six hours ahead of departure and pay in full at least three hours prior to take-off. (liz/kes)
