Newcastle Helicopters has gained government approval to
operate a Floating Heliport in Sydney Harbour from early next month.
Answering the growing need for helicopter based services in
the Sydney CBD area, James Guest and Mitchell Campbell, Directors of Newcastle
Helicopters, have developed the concept of a powered flat top vessel based on
central Sydney Harbour, complete with two helipad sites and deck space to manage
passenger operations.
Helicopter services with such close proximity to the Sydney
CBD area have not been available since the 1980s, when the Darling Harbour
Heliport was closed due to redevelopment of the site.
A central heliport is essential for Sydney to be regarded as
a truly international city, such as New York or London, as it provides means to
showcase the world-renowned Harbour and CBD as a hub for tourism and business.
The flexibility of a powered, mobile Heliport allows it to
be centrally located, utilising the amenity of the Harbour without the need for
a fixed, land-based structure.
Passengers will access the Floating Heliport by existing
Harbour water taxi services and other commercial operators.
Director of Newcastle Helicopters, James Guest has been
working closely with the relevant governing bodies, including the Civil
Aviation Safety Authority, Roads and Maritime Services and Sydney Ports to
ensure the operation is conducted in accordance with all safety and operational
guidelines.
"The heliport will operate from agreed locations remote
from shipping channels and residential areas, and will be made available to
pre-approved helicopter operators during agreed operating hours of 7am to dusk.
Helicopter flight paths will conform to existing routes and
follow established procedures in the Sydney Harbour airspace," Mr. Guest
said.
The Floating Heliport will offer swift transfers from Mascot
airport ideal for the time poor businessperson and centrally located Sydney
residents, and scenic flights over Sydney Harbour convenient to tourists
staying close to the CBD, and those visiting with limited schedules on cruise
ships.
Flights further afield will be offered to enable passengers
to explore the neighbouring regions of Sydney with ease. The Hunter Valley wine
region, Port Stephens, Blue
Mountains and the South, Central and North Coasts are all
within an hour's flight away from the Sydney Harbour Floating Heliport.
The assets of the floating heliport extend beyond the
benefits to Sydney tourism and convenience of air transport to the CBD; it will
provide closer CBD access for emergency services, and opens up many business
opportunities for other air and water operators. It also offers significant
opportunities for commercial pilots of Newcastle Helicopter's flying school to
further their career in a world-class operation such as the Sydney Harbour
Floating Heliport.
By mid-2013, the Sydney Harbour Floating Heliport will be a
purpose-built vessel with meeting rooms, aircraft storage and re-fuelling
facilities.
Flights, packages and gift vouchers will be available online
early next month. The inaugural flights and bookings will be first offered to
those who register online at www.newcastlehelicopters.com.au.
Registrations are now open.
(Source: Travmedia.com 21/11/12)
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