Helicopter charter booking service Ascent is expanding its network to offer flights in Thailand from the fourth quarter of 2020. The Singapore-based company is starting services in partnership with local operators SFS Aviation and Advance Aviation.
Customers will be able to book flights either on a per-seat or whole-aircraft basis using Ascent’s app. Trips will be available within and between cities and regions, including the Thai capital of Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong, Hua Hin, and Pattaya. Per-seat prices will start at around $260.
According to Ascent founder and CEO Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff, the new service is being introduced partly in response to the Thai government’s Eastern Economic Corridor, Thailand 4.0, and SmartCity initiatives. He said both operators have committed to follow Covid-19 safety protocols, including enhanced aircraft cleaning and frequent safety checks on crew.
Advance Aviation president and CEO Chai Nasylvanta said his company will offer customers direct helicopter connections in its all-Airbus fleet to and from private jet flights that it operates from its base at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. SFS Aviation, which operates Sikorsky S-76C+ and Leonardo AW139 helicopters, is already active as a provider of flights for the oil and gas industry, as well as for emergency medical services.
Ascent already offers helicopter charter flights in the Philippines with local operator Inaec Aviation. In March 2019, Ascent launched a partnership to develop urban air mobility services with Israel-based eVTOL aircraft pioneer Urban Aeronautics, which is developing the hydrogen-powered CityHawk aircraft through its subsidiary Metro Skyways.