Principal of Christian Zheng Sheng College Alman Chan Siu-cheuk and four students wave their hands before boarding a helicopter at a temporary helipad at Wan Chai yesterday. Edmond Tang

HONG KONG: Helicopter service is back on Hong Kong Island after a hiatus of more than five years. Yesterday Heliservices (HK) Ltd received approval to provide services from the government's temporary helipad at the former Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area. The move restores service that was abandoned in January 2004, when the Central Helipad at Lung Wui Road was closed to make way for a land reclamation project. Traffic to Hong Kong Island at the time comprised the bulk of Heliservices traffic; thus the company ceased operations.

Yesterday, Heliserves was airborne again.

Heliservices will operate services for passengers to and from Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and the Hong Kong International Airport.

The closure also brought the local helicopter industry to a halt, said Heliservices CEO Chris Bucholz. He said the restored links are an important asset for tourism.

"The commercial helicopter industry, with its 'point to point' advantage, can contribute to develop tourism and support businesses," said Buchholz.

The commercial flying service operates only during daylight hours, and must give way to the Government Flying Service.

Chartering a helicopter for a one hour flight will cost HK$20,000. Each flight can handle up to five passengers. The company will offer a tour package in cooperation with a five-star hotel in Kowloon, priced at HK$1,080 to HK$1,680 per person.

Hong Kong Tourism Board welcomed the restoration of Heliservices and called it an opportunity to brighten the gloomy tourism landscape.

"The addition of commercial helicopter service adds value to tourism resources. Continuous product innovation is indeed pivotal in harnessing Hong Kong's position as a preferred tourist destination," said Patrick Kwok, general manager of tourism marketing.

The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong predicts the new travel service will attract high-end and business tourists, and could be promoted among local passengers.

Heliservices sets a still higher target with sights on the mainland. Buchholz is confident there will be enormous demand for cross-boundary helicopter services. "Once the central government opens the flight path for helicopters, many businessmen can travel directly from Central to their factories in Zhuhai," he said.

Buchholz expects the chance to come next year at earliest. He also predicted that the Heliservices could move to the permanent heliport near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre by 2011. But he stressed the need to enhance the infrastructure in Hong Kong in advance of development.

(HK Edition 07/28/2009 page1)