SIMPSON BAY/St. Maarten--St. Maarten/St. Martin’s only helicopter service Heli St. Martin has been operational for a few weeks and is planning its official opening early November. The company has plans to acquire a second helicopter.

Heli St. Martin started operations from Grand Case airport early August after the arrival of its helicopter, a Eurocopter EC 120-B Colibri, a newer and quieter type of helicopter, in July, said Vice-president Corporate Communications, Sales and Marketing Matt Sadler on Tuesday.

“The reception has been great. We are ready to hit the season,” said UK-born Sadler, who runs the company with his father, mother and a few others. The official launch party is planned for the beginning of November. That is when a second pilot will be added for the high season, when operations will be increased to seven days per week.

Before starting up its operations, Heli St. Martin acquired all necessary permits and certifications to comply with the rules and regulations of the relevant international and local authorities. “We are fully authorised and insured. There’s nothing we haven’t done,” said Sadler, explaining that running an aviation company was a very complicated affair in which safety and reliability were crucial.

Heli St. Martin offers three types of services: charters, island tours and special services such as aerial photography. Medical evacuation in emergency cases is a possibility, although the company does not specialise in that aspect and can’t offer medical assistance on board. “You have to fit the helicopter for that,” Sadler said. “But in an emergency situation we can get someone to a hospital. We can respond quickly.”

Because the Eurocopter EC 120-B Colibri is a single turbine helicopter, it has its limitations. Commercially it can only fly certain distances over water. Because of regulations, it cannot fly to Saba and St. Eustatius; only between St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla and St. Barths.

To expand its services and have more options, Heli St. Martin plans to acquire a second helicopter within a year and a half. Though no decision has been made on the type of helicopter, the intention is to obtain a twin turbine aircraft. That type could fly commercially and longer distances.

Printed in The Daily Herald, September 6th, 2006.

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