The Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub has inaugurated its new helicopter centre, the Dubai Helipark, a partnership with UAE heliport operator Air Chateau International, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai CAA, chairman of Dubai Airports and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

The new centre, spread across an area in excess of 42,800 sqm, is located adjacent to the VIP terminal at Al Maktoum International airport/Dubai South, and will be delivered in two phases, with the first phase now operational and the second phase due to be completed by 2023.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation HE Khalifa Al Zaffin; Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub CEO Tahnoon Saif; Air Chateau chairman and co-founder Dr Samir Mohammed; Air Chateau co-founder Shilton Tony Irudayaraj; and other senior executives.

The helicopter centre is the largest of its kind, accommodating eight helicopters that will facilitate transport between business centres and tourist destinations across the UAE. Additionally, it features a VIP lounge to meet, greet and brief potential UHNWIs arriving at the terminal.

Air Chateau will deliver, manage and operate the centre as well as providing MRO services, and there will be a sales showroom and training centre. Private helicopter owners can lease a parking spot within the premises.

“We are pleased with the launch of the new Dubai Helipark, which will provide UHNWIs with seamless flights from DWC to multiple helipads across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other locations in the UAE," says Tahnoon Saif. "As visitors are flocking into the emirate for Expo 2020 Dubai, UHNWIs are expected to utilise the most luxurious and exclusive mode of transport to meet their requirements during their visit to Dubai, and we are hoping to see a tremendous spike in helicopter rentals and short transport drop off/pick up services targeted and centred around UHNWIs during Expo 2020.”

Dr Samir Mohammed adds: “It is very encouraging that we are already receiving great interest from our key stakeholders to provide support to clientele who want to use the helicopter centre. Our aim will be to make a significant impact to the quality of hospitality and services that Air Chateau will provide to its customers, and we will spare no effort to meet our clients' expectations.”

Shilton Tony Irudayaraj continues: “After delivering phase one, we are looking to explore opening the premises for tourists visiting Dubai and use the heli-services to view the beautiful skylines of Dubai. We also intend to offer single and twin-engine flights that can provide visitors with unique night flying experience as well.”

Expo 2020 is being hosted from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, having been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.