HELICOPTER TAXI SERVICE PROPOSED

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31412, 4 July 1967, Page 26

HELICOPTER TAXI SERVICE PROPOSED

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, July 3. The firm which plans a helicopter taxi service for Auckland received a shock todav when it learned that a second company had similar intentions.

Helico Airlift, Ltd., in making its application to the Air Services Licensing Authority today for a licence to run such a service, learned that Alexander Helicopters, Ltd., was also planning a helicopter service.

A turbine-powered Hiller 1100 helicopter arrived in New Zealand last Wednesday and is expected to go into service with Alexander Helicopters, Ltd., as soon as Department of Civil Aviation tests are completed. Mr O. O. Wahrlick, for Helico Airlift, Ltd., expressed surprise at the news and said he had heard only rumours that his company might have opposition. Objectors to the Helico Airlift, Ltd., application include New Zealand Tourist Air Travel, and Barr Bros. The Department of Civil Aviation was represented by

Mr F. T. Young and Mr R. Boot.

First Of Its Kind

The senior counsel for the applicants, Mr E. E. Page, said it was hoped to introduce a service to Auckland and surrounding districts, a service not previously attempted in this district or elsewhere in New Zealand.

Such a service could offset frustrating traffic delays and take passengers to and from Auckland International Airport take the public at large to and from landing pads at various parts of the city and to tourist and holiday resorts in the Auckland province.

It would also be available for freight company and executive charters, rescue work and scenic flights.

Letters of support for such a service came from local authorities, hotel, business associations, airlines, and the St. John Ambulance. The hearing will continue tomorrow.