Traffic Unbearable? Why Not Book a Helicopter Ride?

If you’re pressed for time to get to your next appointment and got money to spare, this is for you. 

A helicopter ride-sharing and private charter service will start regular operations in Metro Manila next month. Hong Kong-based Seaplane Group will offer on-demand, hop-on-hop-off air taxis, sightseeing tours, and airport shuttles starting at just P3,800. 

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Users can download the Seaplane Mobile app and book their rides through their phones. The app utilizes AI technology and IoT coding to offer instant, on-demand ridesharing and charter services. Big Data and API integration were also used to ensure the correct match of supply and demand. 

“We are thrilled to bring our innovative transportation solutions to the Philippines,” said Seaplane Group CEO Steven Cheung in a statement. “Our services will not only provide convenient and luxurious travel experiences but also support the development of green transportation and real estate, as well as hydrogen infrastructure in the region.”

Cheung said the air mobility service will help reduce traffic congestion as well as provide a more efficient means of travel within Metro Manila for executives and other travelers. It could also become a new tourist attraction, as it offers a unique way to explore and experience the region. 

"As we recover from Covid, we want to provide a new tourism attraction, together with an affordable and efficient mode of transportation for Metro Manila, and promote Manila as the best place to invest, live, work, and play,” he said. 

In 2015, ride-hailing app Grab offered a special promotion called GrabHeli for a limited time. It was a pre-booked helicopter service that allows users to tour around Makati City, Bonifacio Global City, and Pasay City. It was only available between Saturdays and Wednesdays. 

Rival service Uber also offered UberChopper, a similar service that was also made available only of a specific time period.  

That’s one way to deal with Metro Manila’s crippling traffic problem.