Airport Taxi Business Fares IDR 8 Million-20 Million, Observer: The Idea Is Good, There Is No Competition

Illustration of a flying taxi, aka a helicopter. (Photo: Doc. Whitesky Aviation)

JAKARTA - Aviation business observer AIAC Arista Atmadjati assesses the presence of helicopter flying taxis as revolutionary business innovation.

He said the idea of flying taxis for commercial purposes from Soekarno Hatta Airport to several locations in Jabodetabek could be used as an exclusive means of transportation to avoid congestion and catch up with travel speed.

"The idea is very good. There are no competitors", said Arista as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, March 2.

However, he conveyed several notes, including the economic condition in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An economic condition that has not yet recovered will be a challenge in itself. Arista predicts flying taxi services will thrive in 2022.

The business potential actually exists, but now I still have doubts. This helicity can live if economic conditions are normal. Maybe in 2022 as the economy in Indonesia recovers", he said.

Arista suggested that air transportation made by PT Whitesky Aviation in collaboration with PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero) carried out several innovations, including for managers to provide direct flight connection services to several industrial and business locations, tourist destinations, to medical services.

"For example, direct flights to industrial areas in Cikarang, or premium tourist destinations around the Thousand Islands. Even for emergency needs to the hospital", he said.

As is known, PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero) or AP II in collaboration with PT Whitesky Aviation provides helicopter or flying taxi services as alternative transportation to and from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. To enjoy this service, prospective passengers need to spend IDR 8 million.

President Director of PT Whitesky Aviation Denon Prawiraatmadja said the flying taxi service is intended to access people who want to go to the airport or from the airport to the middle of the city by using a connecting flight.

Denon said, to find out the fare per trip, Whitesky made a special application that makes it easier for prospective passengers to see prices according to their destination and departure location.

"The price range is around IDR 8 million to IDR 20 million. The facilities have 3 to 4 passengers. If a charter flight is over IDR 20 million the price is from 4 to 8 passengers", Denon explained in a virtual discussion on AP II Comes to You, Friday, February 26.

Furthermore, Denon said this flying taxi service 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.

"In Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, before COVID-19, there were 60 million passengers. There are dozens of national airlines and 33 foreign airlines and the potential is pretty good", he said.

According to Denon, two types of helicopters can be used as alternative transportation, namely helicity helicopters, and VIP class helicopters.

Furthermore, said Denon, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport heliport has 10 hangars and can accommodate 50 Bell 505 helicopters or the equivalent of 20 Bell 429 / Airbus H130 helicopters.

In the future, he continued, the heliport with an investment of IDR 80 billion will also be equipped with shooting points and lighting installations to support night flights.

Not only that, but there will also be customer lounges, cafes, offices, facilities along with medic evacuation personnel (medical helicopters).

"We will also provide medical evacuation services to and from hospitals, for people with certain conditions they cannot use public transportation", he said.