A company based in the UAE is set to introduce a more accessible inter-emirate private helicopter service in the country. Air Chateau International will facilitate travel from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah in under 30 minutes. Dr. Samir Mohammed, the Founder, Chairman, and MD of Air Chateau International, announced plans to establish a minimum of six new heliports across various emirates in the UAE. Passengers can visit the facility at Al Maktoum airport and embark on a helicopter journey to Ras Al Khaimah, with a travel time of approximately 24 to 27 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
The company has identified 20 potential locations, with 6-8 earmarked for finalization and development before the year concludes. Some of these locations involve upgrading existing helipads, while others will be built from the ground up. Air Chateau International aims to connect all emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Abu Dhabi, as well as the sought-after location of Hatta, to encourage more frequent travel and exploration.
While the company currently operates inter-emirate flights, the accessibility is restricted to limited locations, often remote areas with existing heliports within the emirates. Over the next 2-3 years, the number of locations is set to increase to 30, enhancing accessibility for both residents and tourists. Dr. Samir notes a significant interest in Hatta and indicates ongoing collaboration with hospitality companies to enhance the tourist experience.
The forthcoming heliports are designed to be multifunctional, serving as both heliports and vertiports capable of accommodating eVTOL aircraft landings. This feature is expected to contribute to a more robust development of the air ecosystem. Air Chateau had previously committed to purchasing up to 100 of Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) model, aligning with their initiative to introduce electric air taxi services in the UAE.
The company's objective is to offer ultra-premium last-mile connectivity, and the escalating demand aligns with this vision. The company's base market, which saw over 17,000 private jet movements last year, focuses on connecting passengers or travelers to various points within Dubai and across the UAE. Air Chateau plans to establish heliports in densely populated areas to maximize accessibility, prioritizing safety and cleanliness in operational considerations.
Additionally, the company aims to collaborate with hospitality partners to create tailored packages catering to tourists. Their current offerings include luxury helicopter services with exclusive 22-minute and 30-minute aerial tour packages of Dubai. While specific pricing details are undisclosed, Air Chateau assures that their rates will remain competitive within the market. For reference, a private charter helicopter from Dubai to Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi currently costs Dh7,000 for 5 passengers. The Dubai Helipark, situated adjacent to Al Maktoum airport in Dubai World Central, is the largest of its kind in the UAE, accommodating a total of eight helicopters.
