Not Only In Jakarta, Flying Taxi Services With A Fare Of IDR 8 Million-20 Million Will Be In Bali

Ilustrasi helikopter. (Foto: Dok. Whitesky Aviation)

JAKARTA - PT Whitesky Aviation is targeting the middle class to use helicopters for transportation to and from Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Currently, helicity or flying taxis are only valid in Jakarta. However, this service will also be available on the Island of the Gods.

President Director of PT Whitesky Aviation Denon Prawiraatmadja said that his company will expand to Bali. The company is currently in talks with several airport managers.

"I hope that in the future we can also cooperate with AP I (Angkasa Pura) in Bali and AP II at other airports", he said in a virtual discussion on APII Comes to You, Friday, February 26.

Currently, said Denon, flying taxi services can reach 72 points in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek). This service has existed since the commercial heliport airport in Soetta began operating in 2019.

Furthermore, Denon explained, the heliport at Soetta Airport has 10 hangars and can accommodate 50 Bell 505 helicopters or the equivalent of 20 Bell 429/Airbus H130 helicopters. Therefore, the development of air taxis is also being intensified so that there will be more enthusiasts, especially from the middle class.

"The fare price range is around IDR 8 million to IDR 20 million. The facilities include 3 to 4 passengers. It is above IDR 20 million for a charter flight, the fare is from 4 to 8 passengers", he said.

Denon said that at certain hours his party also provides promos for business and non-business customers so that there will be more enthusiasts. He considered, if the enthusiasm for using this helicopter is high, it will increase the value of this transportation. So that government banks and regional banks are interested in taking part in the procurement of helicopters.

Not without reason, said Denon, the air transportation business is always dealing with foreign currency values from both the financial list and the operating list. Currently, air transportation service companies are thinking hard to get competitive prices for procurement or operating costs.

"Currently, we are working hard in negotiating with lessors to get competitive costs. I see helicopters are quite common, so of course, government and local banks are expected to participate in procuring this helicopter. That way of course the price can be much more affordable", he said.