NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO of Wheels Up, the revolutionary membership-based private aviation company and Kurt Carlson, CEO of HeliFlite, a full-service helicopter operator offering on-demand charter, have jointly announced a partnership providing Wheels Up members access to HeliFlite’s fleet of Bell 430 and Sikorsky S-76 executive-class helicopters for transfers between Manhattan and Tri-state area airports, effective immediately. This partnership fits perfectly into the Wheels Up mission to offer a total aviation solution to its members with "mission-appropriate" flight options. As a partner of Wheels Up, HeliFlite will be the primary helicopter service referral for all Wheels Up members traveling in the Tri-state area.
According to Dichter, Wheels Up members will now have the option of securing helicopter transportation from heliports in Manhattan to leading private aviation airports throughout the Tri-state region including Teterboro, Morristown, White Plains and Farmingdale. Wheels Up members can choose a car or a helicopter to and\or from New York area airports, and will receive a seamless, integrated service with preferred rates. In addition, Wheels Up members will also be able to purchase a 10 or 20- hour HeliCard™ to secure guaranteed lift availability. HeliFlite’s existing customers will gain access to Wheels Down, the Wheels Up lifestyle and event service engaging members through exclusive offerings, distinctive experiences and opportunities to meet luminaries from the worlds of entertainment, politics and business.
“As a company that offers a total aviation solution to our members, it is ideal for Wheels Up to join with HeliFlite to offer helicopter access within the Tri-state area,” said Mr. Dichter. “HeliFlite maintains the highest level of safety and is highly regarded within the industry with leading practices including, only flying twin-engine helicopters and always with two pilots.”
“HeliFlite is pleased to be united with Kenny Dichter and Wheels Up, as both of our companies share superior values of service, safety and leadership in private aviation,” said Mr. Carlson. “HeliFlite will provide Wheels Up members with an efficient way to optimize their travel time with flexibility and convenience.”
The HeliFlite fleet features four Bell 430 and three Sikorsky S-76 executive-class helicopters, which are twin-engine aircraft flown with two pilots. All aircraft are Category A certified and equipped with a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS-1), Electronic Flight Instrumentation System (EFIS), and a Global Positioning System (GPS) for precise navigation in any weather. In the Northeast, helicopters are one of the most efficient ways to travel, providing a distinct advantage with the ability to land at airports, helipads, golf courses and private estates.
About Wheels Up
Wheels Up is a revolutionary membership-based private aviation company that lowers the upfront investment needed to enjoy flying privately – all while providing unparalleled flexibility. Wheels Up was created and is led by Kenny Dichter, the Founder of Marquis Jet and original innovator of the first 25-hour fractional jet card. Offering a member experience that is both high-tech and high-touch, Wheels Up has developed proprietary cutting-edge booking and rideshare applications, and offers the finest personalized service. With a modest initiation fee and reasonable annual dues, Wheels Up is designed to appeal to individuals and corporations currently flying privately. With an 8,760-hour (referencing the number of hours in a year) culture, Wheels Up membership includes Wheels Down, a corresponding lifestyle and event service engaging members through exclusive offerings around major sporting events, intimate concerts, culinary experiences and opportunities to meet luminaries from the worlds of entertainment, politics and business.
Wheels Up will act as agent for the Wheels Up members, and is not the operator of the program aircraft; FAA licensed and DOT registered air carriers participating in the program will exercise full operational control of the program aircraft. Any aircraft owned by Wheels Up will be dry leased to the operating air carrier to facilitate operations by that carrier. For additional information, please visit www.WheelsUp.com.
About HeliFlite:
Founded in 1998, HeliFlite is a full service helicopter operator offering on-demand charter, a 25-hour HeliCard™, fractional ownership and aircraft management services. HeliFlite operations are based at Newark International Airport (KEWR). The company operates within a 250-mile radius of New York City and throughout Florida. As a result of its professional and customized service, HeliFlite is the preferred operator for Fortune 500 companies, aviation professionals and affluent travelers for both business and personal use. www.heliflite.com.
