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Helijet Services

Follow the Whirlybirds to Victoria
by Jerry W. Bird

(Article to be updated Aug, 2002)
SJerry W. Birdo you've seen Canada's Salt Water City from every direction since the days of street cars and 10 cent beer - right? So your Love Boat's Alaska bound tomorrow- and you've time to spare? So it's your first trip to the West Coast, and you welcome suggestions? Whatever the scenario, as Al Jolson used to say -"you ain't seen nuthin' yet." Helijet Airways is the ultimate in flight-seeing, from harbor-to-harbor in 35 scenic minutes. More More

We found the Helijet experience uplifting, laid back, hassle-free and user friendly; but rather than sit back and relax, my inner child took charge. I was all eyes, in eager anticipation, as minute-by- minute the scene unfolded. Hovering above the helipad next to Vancouver's Canada Place (Five Sails-Pan Pacific -Cruise Terminal), we suddenly swooped upward like Mary Poppins, aiming for Coal Harbour's Waterfront Development site and Lions Gate bridge, Park Royal Mall and Ambleside Beach off to the right; skirting Stanley Park's sea wall, Prospect Point, Lumberman's Arch and the beaches of English Bay, its harbor dotted with craft of every type.

Eagle's eye view: In a wink, we were skimming above the treetops of UBC campus, the Museum of Anthropology and Thunderbird Stadium to the mouth of the Fraser River. Here tiny tugboats flitted about like water beetles, nudging a flotilla of log booms that lined the muddy banks . Approaching for a brief touch down at Vancouver International Airport, we could see its brand new terminal (just out of the gift box), and new runways in various stages of completion. Taking off from Sea Island, our Sikorsky S-76 soared above Steveston Village home of one of the BC. Cannery National Historic Site, and base for a fleet of fishing trawlers. This Richmond community is our top spot to buy the catch of the day right off the boat.

As we swept by the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, and Roberts Bank, the Gulf islands appeared on the horizon, and in minutes we spotted the Sidney Ferry Terminal, serving Victoria (a fraction of the time it would take by sea). Before long, the British Columbia Legislative Buildings and downtown Victoria's loomed ahead as we circled for a touch down on the Inner Harbor. Our trip was topped off by a free shuttle to the mother of all hotels... Victoria's enchanting Empress. So that was it- from one city center to another in 35 enjoyable minutes. The return trip provided us an other angle on a spectacular experience. Small wonder its so popular with the corporate and business class. And as for tourism possibilities, with charters and convention add-ons? -- you aint seen nuthin' yet!

Our travel agent friends who want to do their clients a real service should book a Helijet Alaska Cruise Extension Package. Speaking of convenience, Helijet's pad is right next to the Canada Place Cruise ship Terminal. Golf excursions to Whistler (voted top year round resort by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous) and Powell River's Myrtle Point club, are a popular group charter option, as are a variety of great fishing packages.

Born at Expo '86: At a World's Fair that focused on the marvels of transportation, Helijet Airways Inc., earned its mark as North America's first scheduled airline to use helicopters exclusively. Its proud fleet of jet helicopters provides fast, frequent harbor-to-harbor service between BC's two major population centers 7 days a week.

As this Equity item reveals, "...There were those in 1986 who said that Danny Sitnam's concept of a helicopter shuttle between Vancouver and Victoria would never get off the ground. They were wrong. Today, Helijet Airways operates from the position of market leader and flies customers in style with a fleet of Sikorsky S-76s. The S-76 is a powerful, sexy machine, with a comfortable seating for as many as twelve and a flight time to Victoria of 35 minutes. " For business and pleasure, there are now over 30 flights every weekday, plus weekends. The company serves over 100,000 passengers annually, from its three well-appointed locations, each with lounge areas, free coffee and telephone calls.

For details contact your Travel Agent or: Helijet Airways Inc., Vancouver (604) 273-1414; Victoria (604) 382-6222; 1-800-665-4354 (outside BC) Web site: www.helijet.com

(*Salt Water City- early Chinese name for Vancouver)

Feature on Seattle, another Helijet destination.



Helijet inks frequent flyer and codeshare agreements

Helijet International, North America's leading scheduled helicopter service, has signed frequent flyer and codeshare agreements with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Both agreements will commence September 8, pending government approval.

The marketing partnership will provide seamless connections through Vancouver International Airport for Alaska, Horizon and Helijet customers.

In conjunction with the arrangement, Helijet and Alaska plan to introduce air service operated by Helijet aircraft between Vancouver and Whistler Resort once government approval is received.

With the introduction of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan frequent flyer program, Helijet customers will be able to earn miles and redeem travel awards on 11 carriers, including American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

"Around the world, Vancouver is recognized as a truly international destination," said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska Airlines' Executive Vice President of Marketing and Planning. "The opportunity to connect Alaska and Horizon passengers through to Helijet's destinations and new service to Whistler in particular has tremendous potential. Helijet's solid reputation and loyal following of business customers provide the confidence and quality we need to make this relationship a success."

"This agreement means we're committed to providing passengers in Vancouver with connecting flights that are as seamless as any other Alaska or Horizon Air connection," said Rick Hill, Helijet's Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Alliances. "I also think you'll find all three carriers looking for new opportunities where we can combine our individual talents."

Helijet International Inc. is North America's largest scheduled helicopter airline, celebrating its 15-year anniversary. Helijet serves commuter and tour routes to Vancouver, Seattle, Victoria, Langley, Abbotsford and Richmond.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

Alaska and its regional partner, Horizon Air, together serve 80 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Alaska was the first North American carrier to sell tickets online in 1995 and in 1999 became the first carrier in the world to allow customers to check in for flights online via the Internet.

Contact:

Jack Walsh, Alaska Airlines  206-901-8753

Cheryl Temple, Horizon Air 206-431-4672

Rick Hill, Helijet, 604-273-4688

Helijet inks frequent flyer and codeshare agreements

Helijet International, North America's leading scheduled helicopter service, has signed frequent flyer and codeshare agreements with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Both agreements will commence September 8, pending government approval.

The marketing partnership will provide seamless connections through Vancouver International Airport for Alaska, Horizon and Helijet customers.

In conjunction with the arrangement, Helijet and Alaska plan to introduce air service operated by Helijet aircraft between Vancouver and Whistler Resort once government approval is received.

With the introduction of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan frequent flyer program, Helijet customers will be able to earn miles and redeem travel awards on 11 carriers, including American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

"Around the world, Vancouver is recognized as a truly international destination," said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska Airlines' Executive Vice President of Marketing and Planning. "The opportunity to connect Alaska and Horizon passengers through to Helijet's destinations and new service to Whistler in particular has tremendous potential. Helijet's solid reputation and loyal following of business customers provide the confidence and quality we need to make this relationship a success."

"This agreement means we're committed to providing passengers in Vancouver with connecting flights that are as seamless as any other Alaska or Horizon Air connection," said Rick Hill, Helijet's Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Alliances. "I also think you'll find all three carriers looking for new opportunities where we can combine our individual talents."

Helijet International Inc. is North America's largest scheduled helicopter airline, celebrating its 15-year anniversary. Helijet serves commuter and tour routes to Vancouver, Seattle, Victoria, Langley, Abbotsford and Richmond.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

Alaska and its regional partner, Horizon Air, together serve 80 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Alaska was the first North American carrier to sell tickets online in 1995 and in 1999 became the first carrier in the world to allow customers to check in for flights online via the Internet.

Contact:

Jack Walsh, Alaska Airlines  206-901-8753

Cheryl Temple, Horizon Air 206-431-4672

Rick Hill, Helijet, 604-273-4688