Canada's Helicraft is enjoying plenty of flights with its AS350B2 helicopter, which was added to the fleet two years ago. The company also operates two Robinson R66s, five R44s and five R22s.

The AS350B2 is used for sight-seeing tours of Montreal and, as a flying school, Helicraft also uses it for training. “We have aerial work operations such as antenna maintenance in the Quebec City area,” states commercial director Benjamin Toigo. “However, this represents less than a dozen missions a year, as it's not our specialty. Most of our business involves VIP transport for customers in the Montreal suburbs.

“The Robinson R44 is the world's best-selling light helicopter, appreciated for its ease of piloting and operation. That's why we've chosen this model for our training and commercial flights: it simplifies the employability of our students. The R22 is ideal for beginner training, and is the most economical two-seater currently on the market.”

With the AS350B2 and the R66, Helicraft's main focus is on passenger transport. It offers private charter flights to customers looking for flexibility, to restaurants, hotels, spa and other private destinations.

“We receive many requests from media groups,” Toigo adds. “In a month's time, we have to transport 90 people to Quebec City, and we have six helicopters ready to fly there and back all day long. We have four film shoots in September and October; commercial contracts are on the increase. We're expecting the arrival of a brand-new R44 soon. So we plan to keep up the momentum.”