Marking a milestone in Bhutan’s aviation sector, the country’s first-ever private helicopter company called the Heli Bhutan, inaugurated its aircraft in Thimphu. The H-125 helicopter is set to take to the skies next month. The company’s helipad and its head office are located at Ramtokto in Thimphu.
The H-125 helicopter is a versatile high-altitude aircraft made in France. It can accommodate up to six passengers. The company will soon offer services such as scenic tours, passenger transportation, and rescue operations, among others.
The single-engine light utility helicopter, worth around 350 million ngultrum, arrived in the country in March.
As the country’s first private helicopter service provider, the company remains optimistic that people will use its services and that the venture will be sustainable.
Chencho Dorji, Chief Executive Officer of Heli Bhutan said “In my opinion, there are tourists and hoteliers who are interested in availing helicopter services, so we’re really looking forward to it.”
Heli Bhutan is a Foreign Direct Investment company founded by a Bhutanese man partnering with three foreign investors from the United States, Germany, and Canada.
Foreign shareholders contributed 70 percent of the funding.
Currently, the company has two pilots, one Bhutanese and one expatriate, along with a team of around twenty people. For now, the company has only one helicopter.
Jennifer Lan, Investor of Heli Bhutan said “We plan to expand our fleet with another helicopter soon. Our goal is to not just enter the market, but to make a meaningful impact on Bhutan’s tourism, support national development, and contribute to the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.”
Heli Bhutan said that the rate is three thousand dollars per hour for dollar-paying tourists, while the rate for regional and local tourists has not yet been decided.
With this, Bhutan now has three helicopters. The Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority awarded the Air Operator Certificate today, adding another bird to the skies.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
