Falcon Aviation in the UAE has opened a VIP heliport at Dubai South Al Maktoum International airport, where it will have two based charter helicopters.

The heliport is run and managed by Falcon Aviation personnel and will be available to all operators, corporates and private individuals arriving with their business jets at the Dubai South VIP terminal. Demand is expected especially from customers arriving from all over the GCC, India and the Far East.

Situated adjacent to the VIP terminal, it has space for three large executive helicopters and will be open for use on an as-required basis with just two hours' notice. Falcon Aviation initially envisages demand for five movements a day.

The company has an extensive helicopter fleet comprising ten Bell 412EPs, three Airbus Helicopters EC130B4s, four AW109S/SPs, two AW189s and two AW169s. The heliport is the first in the region and is 30 minutes flying time from Abu Dhabi, 45 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah and Diba, and one hour 15 minutes from Qasr Al Sarab Resort.

“We are very pleased with our progress as we realise our strategic three part plan to bolster our footprint in Dubai and the UAE,” comments Falcon Aviation's chief pilot onshore – VVIP operations and accountable manager of Atlantis Helipad Captain George Prentzas. “Our goal is to build important infrastructure in the region, not just for our own operations, but to support others as they expand too.”

Captain Raman Oberoi, Falcon Aviation's COO, adds: “We are very proud to be opening up this important facility that will take clients directly to their destination of choice. We will have a dedicated team to support the heliport activity and to help with flight planning and pre-booking slots.”

Falcon Aviation's 20,000 sqm MRO hangar facility at Al Maktoum airport is under construction and will be completed by the end of 2018, from which time it will complement the dedicated maintenance support for Gulfstream, Embraer and Bombardier aircraft accredited by the GCAA, FAA and EASA, as well as 24/7 AOG support and aircraft parking.