Industry-First Partnership Brings Helicopter Airline to Canada’s Leading Travel Loyalty Program
Richmond, B.C. (November 12, 2025): Helijet International, North America’s largest helicopter airline, is pleased to announce it has signed a partner participation agreement with Aeroplan, Air Canada’s official loyalty and rewards program.
Effective November 12, 2025, passengers flying on any eligible Helijet scheduled airline or charter services, who are Aeroplan Members, will earn Aeroplan points. To join Aeroplan’s community of more than 10 million active members and start turning daily purchases into points for flights, hotel stays, gifts and more, visit aircanada.com/aeroplan.
Helijet becomes the first helicopter airline in the world to partner with Aeroplan, empowering its fliers to earn points and redeem them on Air Canada as well as more than 45 partner airlines, reaching more than 1,300 destinations globally. Aeroplan points can also be redeemed for hotel stays, vacation packages and merchandise.
Danny Sitnam, President & CEO of Helijet said, “This is a first-of-its-kind agreement, and we are to offer the many benefits of this award-winning airline loyalty program to our flying guests, giving them access to hundreds of destinations and services both domestically and internationally.”
“Now with Helijet, Aeroplan Members can enjoy the ease and excitement of helicopter travel while turning their journeys into rewards,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product, Air Canada. “We’re thrilled to bring together Helijet’s convenient services in British Columbia with the global reach and value of Aeroplan.”
About Helijet
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 3.0 million guests in the past 39 years.
Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing the downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo’s Transport Canada-certified heliports.
Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves. Helijet is committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure into the communities that it serves; in conjunction with transforming its current Heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility Vertiport standards.”
About Aeroplan
Air Canada’s Aeroplan is Canada’s leading travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million active members worldwide. Aeroplan Members can earn or redeem points on more than 45 airlines to 1,300+ destinations globally, without blackouts or surcharges. Redeem for one-way short-haul flights starting at 6,000 points, access 9,000+ hotel partner properties through Aeroplan HotelSavers, or shop brands like Amazon, Apple, and Dyson via the Aeroplan eStore, with redemptions starting at 3,500 points. To join Aeroplan and start turning daily purchases into points for flights, hotel stays, gifts and more, visit aircanada.com/aeroplan.
VANCOUVER, B.C. (Nov. 4, 2025) – Canada’s advanced air mobility (AAM) sector took a significant step forward today as Helijet International Inc. and Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) welcomed the arrival of BETA Technologies’ (BETA) ALIA CTOL (Conventional Take-off and Landing) model CX300 aircraft to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This is the first time BETA has flown its electric passenger- and cargo-carrying aircraft into Western Canada.
RICHMOND, BC (Nov. 4, 2025) – On-hand to celebrate the first all-electric passenger flight in Western Canada by BETA Technologies’ ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft, which took off and landed at Helijet International’s headquarters at Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal, were (left to right) JR Hammond, Founder and Executive Director, Canadian Advanced Air Mobility, Sheradin Fabrizius, Sales Director, BETA Technologies, and Danny Sitnam, President & CEO, Helijet.
Today’s flight marks the next in a series of steps Helijet is taking to become the first Canadian air carrier to provide passenger and cargo air services using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In 2023, Helijet announced a firm order for BETA’s ALIA VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), model A250 aircraft with the support of British Columbia Premier David Eby.
Upon delivery, Helijet would integrate the ALIA VTOL aircraft into its existing network of helicopter services, providing quieter, lower-cost, sustainable air transportation for travelers in southwestern B.C. and the Pacific Northwest.
ALIA’s VTOL capability has the potential to enhance Helijet’s ongoing provision of healthcare and cargo air services in the Lower Mainland. This effort, which is being conducted alongside Helijet’s alliance partner, Helicopters Without Borders, aims to support rural and remote communities that do not have access to affordable and convenient air services.
“Helijet is delighted to welcome the first arrival of the CX300 to our terminal here at YVR,” said Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam. “Today’s smooth and successful demonstration flight is tangible proof that the future of passenger and cargo flights is aboard quiet and emissions-free aircraft like the CX300 and its counterpart the ALIA eVTOL model from BETA Technologies. When it comes to customer service and environmental sustainability, Helijet is proud to be an early adopter of innovative technology that prioritizes the needs of people and the planet.”
“In the past two years, we have steadily increased our presence in Canada, from opening offices in Montréal, landing the first electric aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, joining the CAAM board, and forging an ongoing partnership with Helijet to help create cargo and passenger solutions for Western Canada,” said Sheradin Fabrizius, Sales Director at BETA. “We’re excited for the industry’s growth as we demonstrate that quiet, lower-cost electric aviation is quickly becoming a reality across the continent.”
“Today’s arrival of the BETA ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft at YVR marks another aviation milestone for advanced air mobility in B.C. and Canada,” added CAAM Executive Director JR Hammond. “The progress being achieved by Helijet, BETA and CAAM members across the country demonstrates that advanced air mobility is quickly becoming operational reality for carriers, airports and fixed-base operators worldwide.”
About Helijet:
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 3.0 million guests in the past 39 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing the downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo’s Transport Canada-certified heliports.
Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves. Helijet is committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure into the communities that it serves; in conjunction with transforming its current Heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility Vertiport standards.” For more information, visit https://helijet.com/scheduled-airline/
About BETA Technologies
BETA Technologies is an aerospace company manufacturing the future of aviation. The company is producing next-generation aircraft, including conventional fixed wing electric airplanes (“ALIA eCTOL”) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (“ALIA eVTOL”), as well as the technologies that enable them, such as electric propulsion systems, flight controls, and battery packs. In addition, BETA is deploying an infrastructure network across the U.S. to ensure this new class of aircraft has access to reliable charging. To date, the company has installed nearly 50 chargers across the east, west, and gulf coasts. With its low-cost, high reliability, and regional range capabilities, BETA’s products are designed to move goods and people to increase connectivity for rural areas and improve access to healthcare and e-commerce across the U.S. — and beyond. For more information, please visit https://beta.team/ or find us on LinkedIn.
About Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM)
Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) is the national industry association for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Canada. As a federal not-for-profit, CAAM leads the responsible, sustainable, and innovative integration of AAM across the country. CAAM has partnered with over 200+ organizations including industry, academia, private capital and all three levels of government to launch projects aimed at operationalizing the AAM industry. CAAM serves as the unified voice and driving force behind Canada’s growing AAM ecosystem. Visit canadianaam.com to learn more.
OTHER AVIATION COMPANIES CHALLENGED TO DONATE ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT FOR UKRAINIAN RELIEF EFFORTS
Both Helijet President Danny Sitnam and the medically equipped helicopter donated by his company have arrived in Ukraine; missions of mercy to begin soon for victims injured in war with Russia
Richmond, B.C. (April 15, 2025): The fully operational, medically equipped Sikorsky S-76A helicopter Helijet recently donated from its fleet for medical airlift use in Ukraine has arrived safely. Ukrainian engineers trained by Helijet in the aircraft’s service and maintenance procedures have received the packaged helicopter for reassembly and testing before pressing it into service.
After the donation was first announced in February, the aircraft was partially disassembled for its long air and ground trek from Helijet’s headquarters in Richmond, B.C. to its arrival point in Ukraine. Until recently, the Sikorsky aircraft, owned by Helijet, had been providing backup air medical service to the Ministry of Health for patient transport in B.C. It remains in airworthy and operational condition.
Danny Sitnam, President of Helijet International, has flown to Ukraine himself this week to personally oversee the handover of the aircraft, and get a first-hand sense of conditions on the ground in Ukraine.
“Once you’re here, what the war has done to the Ukrainian people and their villages and cities suddenly becomes real in a way that just can’t be fully conveyed in the reports we see on the news,” Sitnam says. “Having helped with various Ukrainian relief efforts in Canada since the Russian invasion began here three years ago, I knew simply gifting one of our now-surplus aircraft for use over here would make a positive impact. I’d like to encourage all companies in the Canadian aviation industry to join in and look at what they can spare from their fleets, and match or beat our contribution. The people here will appreciate any help more than you can know.”
Helijet’s gift is made on condition that the helicopter is used solely for non-commercial, humanitarian, and medical evacuation missions to airlift individuals in need of urgent medical care to hospitals in Ukraine. The donation was made possible under an agreement between Helijet and a consortium of non-governmental organizations working in Canada and Ukraine: Maple Hope Foundation and the Ukrainian World Congress.
“The significance of this gift, Danny’s personal attention and involvement, and now his very presence here in Ukraine to oversee the exchange is reflective of the united support we’ve seen from the Canadian people. Danny doesn’t have a single drop of Ukrainian blood in him, but he understands the importance of providing support to help people in desperate need whoever, or wherever, they may be. His bold, transformative actions will directly save lives. And the donation of a Sikorsky helicopter also comes ‘full circle’ for us symbolically as the Ukrainian people continue to fight this war. Igor Sikorsky himself was born in Kyiv and surely had no idea that his invention of 100 years ago would become part of the effort to save lives in his own native country today.” -Svitlana Kominko, CEO, Maple Hope Foundation
“In a war where seconds mean the difference between life and death, this helicopter will become a lifeline, a flying beacon of hope for the wounded and vulnerable. Helijet’s extraordinary donation is not just a gesture of solidarity; it’s a bold act of humanity that will save lives on the front lines. Danny Sitnam’s decision to personally bring this aircraft to Ukraine sends a clear message: the world has not turned its back. This is what true allyship looks like — courageous, compassionate, and immediate. On behalf of all those whose lives will be touched by this gift, we say thank you. History will remember this.” -Andrew Potichnyj, Director, Unite with Ukraine initiative, Ukrainian World Congress
“Helijet’s donation is a profound act of solidarity that exemplifies the best of humanity. In the face of brutality and destruction, this medically equipped helicopter will serve as a symbol of life, hope, and unwavering support from the people of Canada. Danny Sitnam’s leadership and personal commitment to delivering this aircraft to Ukraine show the world what real partnership looks like. Not just words, but action. We urge others in the global business community to follow Helijet’s lead. Ukraine’s fight for freedom is not just our battle, it is a stand for the values of democracy, dignity, and the sanctity of human life.” -Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian World Congress
About Helijet
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 2.5 million guests in the past 38 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters.
Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing the downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo’s Transport Canada-certified heliports. Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves.
Helijet is committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure into the communities that it serves; in conjunction with transforming its current Heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility Vertiport standards.”
About Maple Hope Foundation
Maple Hope Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential medical, humanitarian, and social support to Ukraine and war-displaced Ukrainians in Canada. Founded in 2014 by a group of Ukrainian-Canadians in Vancouver, to date, Maple Hope has delivered over $32 million in aid, including medical supplies to civilian and military hospitals, support for mobile evacuation centers, aid for defenders and their families, veterans, displaced persons, and children of war. Since the full-scale invasion, the organization has also focused on providing settlement assistance to displaced Ukrainians in British Columbia and pioneered the first Canada-wide mental health support program for displaced Ukrainian women and youth.
About Ukrainian World Congress
The Ukrainian World Congress represents the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians residing in more than 80 countries worldwide. “Unite With Ukraine” is the global fundraising initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress focused on systematically procuring and delivering essential tactical medical supplies, armored vehicles, FPV drones, UAV complexes, unmanned systems, and other vital equipment to support Ukraine’s defenders. Since February 2022, the initiative has raised more than $61 million USD from donors in over 70 countries to support various Ukrainian security forces.
Designed by Ukrainian-born Igor Sikorsky’s renowned helicopter company, the Sikorsky Aircraft S-76A helicopter is the first private donation of an aircraft of this magnitude from Canada to Ukraine, organized by the joint efforts of Canadian business and the Ukrainian diaspora.
Richmond, B.C. (February 10, 2025): Helijet International is donating a fully operational, medically equipped helicopter from its fleet to be used for missions of mercy in Ukraine. Helijet has signed an agreement with a consortium of Canadian and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations Maple Hope Foundation, the Ukrainian World Congress, and Initiative E+ to accept the delivery and title of a Sikorsky S-76A air ambulance helicopter. Together, the three organizations have been working with Helijet over the span of eight months to arrange the shipment of the aircraft to Ukraine.
Danny Sitnam, Helijet CEO, Svitlana Kominko, Co-Founder and CEO of Maple Hope Foundation, Andrew Potichnyj, Director Unite With Ukraine with Sikorsky S76 (l-r)
The Sikorsky S-76A is a fully equipped air medical helicopter that Helijet had previously provided under contract to the Ministry of Health for patient transport in B.C. The aircraft has now been recently removed from that service but still has years of flight capability remaining. The gift is made on condition that the helicopter is used solely for non-commercial, humanitarian, and medical evacuation missions to airlift individuals in need of urgent medical care to hospitals in Ukraine.
In November, Helijet and the Vancouver-based Maple Hope Foundation hosted two pilots and two engineers from Ukraine who came here to receive flight, maintenance and deployment training for the helicopter at Helijet’s Richmond, B.C. base of operations. To assist in the shipment of the helicopter, the Maple Hope Foundation also launched a national online crowdfunding campaign that allowed Ukrainians from across Canada join the mission of delivering this life-saving helicopter. The campaign raised $101,530 in three weeks from more than 730 donors.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, that began in February 2022, Helijet has also been providing relief assistance on other fronts including facilitating the staging of medical supply shipments coordinated and secured by Maple Hope Foundation bound for Ukraine at its Richmond hangar. Helijet president Danny Sitnam and his family opened their home in April of 2022 and supported a family of three, fleeing from the Ukraine until they could find a home of their own in Vancouver.
“We’ve since become great friends with this family,” said Sitnam. “Supporting them was just the start of a commitment we made at Helijet to help Maple Hope Foundation as the unrelenting struggle with Russia continues for the people of Ukraine.”
“This project represents the culmination of a deeply meaningful partnership between Helijet and our organization, one that began during a time of crisis. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion ofUkraine in February 2022, and displaced Ukrainians began arriving in Canada in unprecedented numbers, Danny Sitnam and his family were among the first to extend a helping hand. Since that moment, Danny and the entire Helijet team have been unwavering in their support of Maple Hope’s relief efforts for Ukraine. Helijet’s donation of the Sikorsky S-76 medevac helicopter is not only extraordinarily generous, but also historically significant, demonstrating the resolve of Canadians united in support for Ukraine during the third year of the full-scale invasion — not through words, but bold, transformative actions that will directly save lives”.
-Svitlana Kominko, CEO, Maple Hope Foundation
“The incredible donation of the Sikorsky S-76A medevac helicopter by Helijet is a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond and unwavering support from Ukraine’s allies in Canada. This life-saving air ambulance will be a game-changer, delivering critical medical aid to those suffering in the war-torn regions of Ukraine. On behalf of the Ukrainian World Congress, I extend my deepest gratitude to Danny Sitnam and the entire Helijet team for their heroic commitment to aiding the people of Ukraine during these challenging times. We also owe immense thanks to the Maple Hope Foundation for their relentless dedication to making this collaboration possible. Together, we are not just saving lives; we are igniting hope and making a monumental impact.”
– Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian World Congress
COMING FULL CIRCLE: A MEDEVAC HELICOPTER WITH UKRAINIAN ROOTS
Appropriately enough, the Sikorsky S-76A donated is a product of U.S. based Sikorsky Aircraft founded a century ago by Kyiv-born helicopter inventor Igor Sikorsky shortly after he emigrated to the United States.
His son Sergei Sikorsky also worked for the company during his long career in aviation and today carries on the family’s aviation legacy. “When my father and his company developed this aircraft, I’m sure he never would have predicted that the people of Ukraine, who now find life very difficult, would benefit decades later from his genius and expertise. The Sikorsky name has been synonymous with helicopter innovation for 100 years and now will be part of this generous effort that comes full circle to help today’s generation in his very own homeland.”
About Helijet
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 2.5 million guests in the past 38 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters.
Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing the downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo’s Transport Canada-certified heliports. Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves.
Helijet is committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure into the communities that it serves; in conjunction with transforming its current Heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility Vertiport standards.”
About Maple Hope Foundation
Maple Hope Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential medical, humanitarian, and social support to Ukraine and war-displaced Ukrainians in Canada. Founded in 2014 by a group of Ukrainian-Canadians in Vancouver, to date, Maple Hope has delivered over $32 million in aid, including medical supplies to civilian and military hospitals, support for mobile evacuation centers, aid for defenders and their families, veterans, displaced persons, and children of war. Since the full-scale invasion, the organization has also focused on providing settlement assistance to displaced Ukrainians in British Columbia and pioneered the first Canada-wide mental health support program for displaced Ukrainian women and youth.
Initiative E+ is a Ukrainian NGO founded by doctors who were assisting civilians during the Euromaidan demonstrations in the winter of 2013-2014 in Kyiv. Since 2014, the organization has focused on providing medical support to military and civilian medics, delivering 500 emergency medical vehicles, including more than 150 ambulances and 75 large buses most of which were transformed into mobile hospitals. They’ve also supported wounded soldiers and civilians with essential care. In addition to their medical work, Initiative E+ runs social projects for children, including rehabilitation camps for children from frontline areas and families of fallen defenders.
About Ukrainian World Congress
The Ukrainian World Congress represents the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians residing in more than 80 countries.
“Unite With Ukraine” is the global fundraising initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress focused on procuring and delivering essential tactical medical supplies, armored vehicles, UAV complexes, FPV drones, and other vital equipment to systematically support Ukraine’s defenders.
Since February 2022, the initiative has raised over $60 million from donors in over 70 countries to support Brigades of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Special Operations Forces, National Guard, Main Directorate of Intelligence, National Police, Brigades of the Ground Forces, State Emergency Service, State Border Guard Service, Yavoriv International Training Center for Peacekeeping and Security, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Vancouver, B.C. – It’s a milestone year as Helijet International and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) mark 20 years of presenting their annual “Santa Flights”.
Now a holiday season tradition, Santa is once again “hitching a ride” in a BCEHS air ambulance for a whirlwind, same-day tour to visit children in pediatric units at six hospitals in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
It’s also a big year for BCEHS, which is celebrating the 50th year of British Columbia’s provincial ambulance service. Today, BCEHS is one of the largest ambulance services in North America, providing care to British Columbians in every corner of the province.
This year’s “Santa Flights” itinerary includes Victoria General, Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian, Nanaimo Regional General, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and the BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre. At each stop, Santa brings toys to the kids and Christmas cheer for everyone including family members and healthcare workers.
“Santa’s visits bring joy and hope to our young patients who find themselves in hospital at this special time of the year,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The Santa Flights also remind us to celebrate the dedication of our front-line workers, including specialized paramedics who provide crucial medical care for our courageous children as they fight to get well soon. We appreciate the efforts made by everyone to fly Santa to visit these children and add a little holiday cheer.”
Joining Santa and his elf for this year’s “Santa Flights” is David Nemec, one of BCEHS’ specially trained Infant Transport Team (ITT) paramedics who care for, and transport, babies and young children with acute or emergency health needs. David is also the interim unit chief of Station 283, the Infant Transport Team’s station based at BC Children’s Hospital.
“We all look forward to the Santa Flights each year and it’s an honour to represent our dedicated ITT critical care team on this year’s rounds,” said David. “Every day, we help children all over B.C. who need medical care, but when we fly in with Santa, we get to visit kids in a setting where they’re in better spirits. It’s so gratifying to see them smile as they bravely face their health challenges.”
Also flying with Santa is Danny Sitnam, President and CEO of Helijet which operates Sikorsky air ambulance helicopters used by BCEHS. “We began this whole idea with a single flight that took Santa by helicopter to one hospital in our first year. No one knew back then that it would grow to what it’s become today, with six hospital visits in a single day. Only flying Santa by helicopter makes that possible. All of us at Helijet are happy to have this opportunity to work once again with BCEHS and help make the holiday season special for these kids who find themselves in hospital as Christmas approaches.”
Hashtag: #SantaFlights
Photo: Santa Flights Crew at first stop in Victoria on Dec 10, 2024.
About Helijet
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 2.5 million guests in the past 38 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters.
Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing the downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo’s Transport Canada-certified heliports. Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves.
Helijet is committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure into the communities that it serves; in conjunction with transforming its current Heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility Vertiport standards. Additional Helijet details are available at Helijet.com.
About BCEHS
BC Emergency Health Services is responsible for the delivery and governance of pre-hospital emergency medical care and inter-facility patient transfer services through the BC Ambulance Service and BC Patient Transfer Services. BCEHS is supported by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). For more information, please visit www.bcehs.ca
Richmond, B.C. (October 22, 2024): Online charter flight booking service Airble is excited to announce its new partnership with Helijet International Inc. to offer even more non-stop travel choices for private charter passengers seeking to fly in comfort and convenience.
Helijet’s Cessna Citation X charter flights booked through the Airble website or mobile app offer non-stop access to numerous North American destinations, including Cabo San Lucas, Toronto, New York, Miami, Hawaii, plus the Caribbean. Flights to European destinations can also be arranged through Airble.
With decades of experience safely flying more than 2.5 million passengers since it began in 1986, Helijet is a trusted name in aviation offering North America’s largest scheduled passenger helicopter airline, plus fixed-wing charter services.
Now, through its new flight scheduling partnership, Airble takes a major leap forward by adding Helijet private charter deals across British Columbia, North America, and beyond. Empty leg flight offers are also available.
“We are thrilled to welcome Helijet aboard and are confident you will love their exceptional service,” said Airble CEO Saeed Golzar. “At Airble, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our mission. Airble’s automated platform streamlines the entire air charter process, making it simple for you to browse, book, and instantly pay for your desired travel experience. We are committed to reducing unnecessary emissions by filling seats on aircraft in service, including numerous private empty leg deals. There may be up to 50 deals available on airble.com at any given time.”
Expanded International Reach via Helijet’s Cessna Citation X
Based at its own independent base at Vancouver International Airport (YVR,) Helijet added the Cessna Citation X turbojet aircraft to its fleet earlier this year. One of the fastest luxury commercial jets available, the Citation X has a travel range double that of smaller corporate jets, with cruising speeds exceeding 700mph (Mach .92) and capable of flying at altitudes of 50,000 ft.
The aircraft features:
Club-style cabin passenger seating for eight, with a spacious stand-up cabin configuration
Ample temperature-controlled independent luggage and cargo compartments
Full connectivity with phone, Wi-Fi, internet and streaming services at each seat
Helijet’s Citation X service is also complemented by a six-passenger Learjet aircraft available for charter, as well as connecting passenger helicopter services from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria and Nanaimo.
“We’re happy to have Airble join us in offering our clients the ability to streamline the booking process for our charter aircraft,” Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam stated. “Together we can offer our customers an incomparable business class booking and travel experience to meet their long-distance travel requirements.”
About Airble
Since 2019, Richmond B.C. based Airble has led the revolution in private aviation by operating as an air charter platform through digital booking. Our core ethos is founded on displaying accurate aircraft availability, transparent prices, and instant booking. Our vision is to build the ultimate platform for passengers and air operators to connect, directly and forge ourselves as the trusted marketplace for on-demand air travel and change the global perception of private aviation. https://airble.com/
About Helijet:
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying more than 2.5 million guests since 1986. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters.
Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing Transport Canada-certified heliports in downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo. Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves. For more information, visit https://helijet.com/charter-flights/citation-x/
Richmond, B.C.: Helijet announced today that it will be expanding its existing fixed-wing charter services to offer private air travel customers greater non-stop travel range, comfort and convenience for North American and intercontinental charter flights.
Helijet has added a Cessna Citation X turbojet aircraft to its fleet, adding superior cabin capacity and value to meet, and exceed, the expectations of Helijet’s helicopter and fixed-wing guests.
With a travel range double that of smaller corporate jets, the Citation X, is one of the world’s fastest commercial jets with cruising speeds of over 700mph or Mach .92 and capable of flying at altitudes of 50,000 ft. The aircraft will be configured and feature:
Eight club-style cabin passenger seating, with stand-up cabin configuration
Private lavatory facilities
Ample temperature-controlled independent luggage and cargo compartments
Full phone, wi-fi, internet and streaming movie service at each passenger seat.
With the Citation X’s exceptional range, passengers can fly non-stop from Vancouver to numerous North American destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Toronto, New York, Miami, Hawaii, plus the Caribbean. Flight plans to take passengers even further to European destinations can also be arranged.
Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam stated today, “Our team is excited to now offer and afford our clients the ability to meet their long-distance travel requirements in a unique business class cabin environment, while delivering non-stop, uninterrupted and hassle-free airfield to airfield service.”
Guests chartering Helijet’s Citation X can now board and deplane from Helijet’s exclusive South Terminal passenger lounge facility, where they are afforded complimentary and secure vehicle parking, lounge waiting facilities and complimentary ground shuttle service to YVR’s International/Domestic terminal if making connecting flights.
In addition to the Citation X air service, Helijet complements on-going travel with its six-passenger Learjet aircraft, as well as its scheduled helicopter services from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria and Nanaimo
Citation X air service will be available from March 1, 2024. Inquiries can be made at: charters@helijet.com or call: 1-800-987-4354.
About Helijet:
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 2.4 million guests in the past 36 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters.
Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing Transport Canada-certified heliports in downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo. Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves. For more information, visit https://helijet.com/scheduled-airline/
Purchase of ALIA eVTOL aircraft a significant step forward for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in British Columbia
VANCOUVER, B.C. (October 31, 2023) – Helijet International Inc., North America’s largest and longest-standing helicopter airline, today announced plans to become the first Canadian air carrier to provide passenger and cargo services using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft after placing firm orders for ALIA eVTOL aircraft from BETA Technologies. Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam and BETA Sales Director Skye Carapetyan made the announcement with British Columbia Premier David Eby at Helijet’s Victoria Harbour Heliport.
Helijet will integrate the BETA-designed aircraft into its existing network of helicopter services, providing quieter, lower cost, sustainable air transportation for travelers in southwestern B.C. and the Pacific Northwest. The electric aircraft’s vertical take-off and landing capability will also have tremendous potential to enhance Helijet’s provision of emergency response, air ambulance and organ transfer services in the Lower Mainland, as well as support rural and remote communities that do not have access to affordable and convenient air services.
Built by electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, the five-passenger + pilot configured ALIA eVTOL aircraft is currently in advanced flight standards development towards commercial regulatory certification in 2026 and will be available for private and commercial service shortly thereafter.
Helijet’s decision to become BETA’s first commercial customer order from Canada is due in part to BETA’s intention to certify the aircraft for IFR (instrument flight rules) operations, and its interest to consider growing its industrial base in Canada. BETA has already begun to grow its presence across the country with an R&D facility based out of the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
“We are proud to partner with BETA Technologies, who are leaders in the advanced air mobility space,” said Sitnam. “We are committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission, vertical lift technologies and related ground/building infrastructure in the communities we serve and look forward to transforming our current heliport infrastructure to meet future urban air mobility vertiport standards.”
Premier Eby noted the Province of B.C. is committed to embracing and supporting sustainable aviation technology, as well as related infrastructure development opportunities within the province.
“This provincial government recognizes the potential of advanced air mobility to decarbonize the aviation sector, improve regional connectivity, improve emergency response times and introduce new manufacturing opportunities in our province,” said Premier Eby. “We congratulate Helijet on their exciting news and look forward to British Columbia becoming a leader in the advanced air mobility sector.”
The purchase of BETA eVTOL aircraft is just the latest demonstration of Helijet’s commitment to advanced air mobility. In 2019, Helijet became a founding member of Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM), the national organization for AAM in Canada. CAAM has created a 100+ member ecosystem comprised of industry, academia, capital and government members both nationally and internationally.
Key stakeholders of CAAM include the National Research Council of Canada, Air Canada Cargo, CAE, Iskwew Airlines, InDro Robotics, University of British Columbia, TransLink, BC Aviation Council, University of Victoria, BC Ministry of Transportation, TELUS, Transport Canada, Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, and Aerial Evolution Association of Canada.
“Helijet’s purchase of BETA Technologies’ revolutionary Alia aircraft is an aviation milestone for advanced air mobility in B.C. and Canada,” said CAAM Executive Director JR Hammond. “CAAM’s mission is to build an ecosystem of national collaboration in AAM and create a sustainable, equitable and profitable AAM industry in Canada. With its mature air travel market demographic and existing challenges for conventional transportation between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, southern B.C. provides an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the commercial viability and environmental sustainability of AAM in B.C. and Canada.”
BETA’s selection as the first provider of eVTOL aircraft to a Canadian air services operator marks another milestone for the Vermont-based company. BETA has conducted qualitative evaluation flights with the FAA, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army, completed multiple thousand-mile-plus missions across the U.S., utilizing its own charging infrastructure, and recently opened its 188,500 sq. ft production and assembly facility, the first full-scale manufacturing facility for electric aircraft in the United States. Earlier this fall, the electric aerospace company also flew one of its prototype aircraft across the border into Montreal, marking the first time a battery electric aircraft has landed in the city.
“We designed ALIA to be a reliable, efficient, and sustainable aircraft option that could carry out a variety of missions in all types of geographies, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Helijet to bring this next-generation, net-zero technology to Canadian commuters and travelers,” said Kyle Clark, BETA’s Founder and CEO. “Between our growing engineering hub in Montreal, our first cross-border flight to the region earlier this year, and the support we’ve received from the government and regulators across Canada, we look forward to continuing to grow our presence in the country. To be able to do that in partnership with the foremost operator in British Columbia is very exciting.”
Over the past two years, Helijet has followed and shortlisted three aircraft manufacturers designing and developing eVTOL aircraft for AAM ecosystems. In addition to BETA’s ALIA eVTOL, which meets Helijet’s future objectives for introducing sustainable, decarbonized aviation technologies in Canada, Helijet will continue to consider other shortlisted aircraft make and models for order. Helijet is also leading the development of Canada’s first commercial vertiport at its downtown Vancouver waterfront heliport, which would connect AAM users to an intermodal transportation hub providing road, marine, air and rail access throughout the region.
To date, over $6 billion worldwide has been invested in advanced aviation technologies, with investment leadership coming from companies such as BETA, Boeing, Embraer, Airbus, Honda, Joby Aviation and Lilium. According to NEXA Advisors/UAM Geomatics, a leader in world-wide AAM market studies, over the next 15 to 20 years, Greater Vancouver has the potential to serve approximately 4.2 million passengers using eVTOL aircraft and generate $2.1 billion in new AAM business activity.
About Helijet:
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 2.4 million guests in the past 35 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters.
Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing Transport Canada-certified heliports in downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo. Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves. For more information, visit https://helijet.com/scheduled-airline/
About BETA Technologies:
Founded in 2017, Burlington, Vermont-based BETA Technologies is building a fully integrated electric aviation system to enable more sustainable modes of transportation. BETA’s fleet of electric aircraft, which are undergoing certification with the FAA, include the ALIA CTOL an electric fixed-wing airplane, and the ALIA VTOL, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Both vehicles generate zero operational emissions, have designs that optimize for payload and range, and can be recharged in under an hour with its chargers. BETA is also creating a nation-wide multimodal electric charging network. The company has already activated 12 aircraft charging stations from Vermont to Arkansas—and has 58 more sites in the permitting or construction phase along the East and Gulf Coasts.
BETA has orders from customers including UPS, Air New Zealand, BLADE, and United Therapeutics, as well as contracts with the U.S. Army and Air Force. In March, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited BETA to learn about the types of clean energy and manufacturing jobs the company is creating as it turns the corner into production.
Richmond, B.C. August 10th, 2022 – With support from the Province of British Columbia’s Airport Assistance Program (“BCAAP”) under the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Pacific Heliport Services, (“PHS”) a wholly owned subsidiary of Helijet International Inc., has completed a major $1.7M upgrade of the public use intermodal heliport in downtown Vancouver, on the south shore of Burrard Inlet.
The upgrade project entailed the design, fabrication and installation of two primary bridgeway connections to the floating heliport, along with numerous related facility and shoreline improvements within the heliport lease areas. The project construction was unique in that no in-water works were conducted throughout the project term, mitigating any environmental concerns to marine life and the natural habitat.
Located within walking distance of Vancouver’s downtown core, and part of a transportation hub with connections to SeaBus, SkyTrain, bus network, and a cruise ship terminal, the heliport plays an instrumental role in facilitating government business, private sector commerce and tourism offerings.
The heliport also provides emergency life-saving medical services for the local region. It is certified by Transport Canada for both day and night operations, it serves the BC Ambulance Service for St. Paul’s Hospital and the North Shore’s Lions Gate Hospital and is listed as an asset on the Critical Infrastructure list maintained by Emergency Management British Columbia (EMBC).
“I want thank the Province for their funding and support of this project, as well as our many industry and private sector clients who supported our BCAAP funding application,” said Danny Sitnam, President and CEO, Helijet and PHS. “I also want to thank the Harbour Heliport Society and the numerous helicopter air operators that use this heliport facility. These upgrades are a reflection of our commitment to them and the safety of the millions of passengers who travel with us each year.”
Seventy-five per cent ($1,279,000) of the project financing for the $1.7m airside build was provided by BCAAP, with Pacific Heliport Services providing the remaining 25 per cent. The project was a design-build contract awarded and completed by FRB Construction Systems, a company owned, operated and based in British Columbia.
“The provincial government is committed to helping airports and air facility operators across the province make the safety and capacity upgrades they need to better serve their customers and communities,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We recognize the vital role this terminal and Pacific Heliport Services plays in the region, and through BCAAP, we’re pleased to have made this important upgrade possible while at the same time supporting BC’s construction sector and the work carried out by BC-based FRB Construction Systems.”
About Helijet and PHS
Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned aviation solutions company based in British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying well over 2.4 million guests in the past 35 years. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters. Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America.
Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., (“PHS”) is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing the downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo’s Transport Canada-certified heliports. Helijet and PHS have been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking aviation company that deeply engages with the communities it serves. Helijet and PHS are committed to introducing and integrating zero-emission vertical lift technologies and related infrastructure into the communities that it serves to meet future urban air mobility commercialization. For more information, visit www.helijet.com.
About: BCAAP
The British Columbia Air Access Program (BCAAP) provides funding to assist B.C. aviation facilities, including airports, heliports and water aerodromes, to improve infrastructure and environmental performance. Through this cost-sharing program, facility operators can invest in safety, social improvements (such as improved medevac) and climate / environmental projects that help strengthen local, regional and provincial economies. BCAAP encourages funding partnerships with Indigenous, local, regional and federal governments, as well as agencies and private-sector organizations. For more information, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/aviation-infrastructure-funding.
Helijet International is please to announce we are adding more scheduled flights between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island effective Monday, June 8, 2020.
The number of scheduled Helijet flights between Vancouver and Victoria will increase to five roundtrips each weekday, up from the current three daily roundtrips.
The number of scheduled flights between Vancouver and Nanaimo will double to four roundtrip flights per weekday, up from the current two daily roundtrips.
These additional flights also allow Helijet to offer an earlier start each day. The first Vancouver-to-Victoria flight will depart at 7:00 A.M., and the first Vancouver-to-Nanaimo flight will leave at 7:10 A.M. Daily schedules will also end later in the day, with the last flight leaving Nanaimo at 6:00 P.M. The last flight from Victoria departs at 6:30 P.M.
“With businesses gradually reopening, and the provincial government planning to resume sitting later this month, we’re preparing to support additional travel demand for our flights to and from Vancouver Island,” says Danny Sitnam, President and CEO of Helijet. “Although the entire air travel industry has been severely impacted by COVID-19, we pledged to keep operating with a reduced flight schedule as an essential service link to safely serve our communities, our dedicated guests and to keep the majority of our workforce employed. We are now in a stronger position to increase service provision as our guest numbers are anticipated to climb.”
Helijet continues to protect the safety of passengers and crew alike by maintaining strict sanitizing and social distancing protocols which include:
Limiting the maximum number of passengers in all aircraft to six, instead of the usual 12, to increase the distance between travellers.
Sanitizing aircraft cabins before each flight, as well as disinfecting high touch areas within the cabin and cockpit.
Providing a detailed disinfection regime for all aircraft at the end of every day, to ensure no contaminants remain for passengers who board the aircraft next.
Making hand sanitizer available to all travellers and staff at each terminal.
Deeper cleaning of terminal facilities, washrooms and offices on a more frequent basis.
Complimentary food and beverage service at terminals consists of grab-and-go pre-packaged foods and beverages only.
In adherence with Government of Canada COVID-19 travel restrictions, prior to being allowed to board their flight, all passengers are subject to a Health Check – specific questions relating to any symptoms you may have, and whether you are under a mandatory Public Health quarantine. All air passengers must also have a removable, non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel. At check-in, passengers on all flights are required to demonstrate they have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering to be worn for the duration of the flight.
To print or review the Helijet Summer Schedule, effective June 8, 2020, click here (pdf)
