| 13 Escape Aviation TOURISM T T Russell Fredric Fixed wing added It’s exciting times for Escape Aviation as it expands its fleet, along with adding a new service at Taupo Airport. The newly established tourism brand of long-standing helicopter operator Helisika, Escape Aviation has added its first fixed wing aircraft to its fleet and will be opening the Taupo region’s only dedicated Fixed Base Operator (FBO) service in November. Helisika was founded more than 30 years ago, serving the central North Island’s rural and recreational communities through agricultural work and helicopter transport of hunters and fisherman into the heart of Kaimanawa Forest Park, growing into one of New Zealand’s most trusted and respected helicopter companies. Escape Aviation sales and marketing manager Alice Orr says the business has experienced significant growth in tourism in recent years, expanding from its home base in the heart of Poronui, to operating bases at Taupo Airport and on the edge of Tongariro National Park. “This momentum led to the launch of our tourism brand, Escape Aviation, in February this year.” Escape Aviation represents the next evolution of the business, offering high-end scenic flights, bespoke itineraries, luxury charters and remote experiences, connecting people with the wild beauty of the Central North Island, and will soon add a convenient fixed wing connection to various airports. Its fleet includes five helicopters with varying passenger and load capacities for a large range of activities and products, including sightseeing, weddings, and outdoor adventures. Helisika holds exclusive landing rights across approximately 80,000 hectares of privately owned iwi land, access made possible through long-standing, deeply valued relationships with various Māori trusts, Alice says. “Without them, the company wouldn’t be where it is today, and we remain incredibly grateful for their trust and support.” In November, Escape Aviation will open the region’s only Fixed Base Operator (FBO) service, complete with a private guest lounge to cater to private jets and fixed-wing aircraft. The FBO will offer premium ground handling, refuelling, and personalised hosting for travellers arriving into Taupō. The provision of a refuelling service, a collaboration with Escape Aviation’s existing supplier GO Fuel, is a game changer because Taupo has no other similar refuelling service, Alice says. From December 15 Escape Aviation will offer flights between Taupo Airport and Auckland International Airport, along with private charters to other locations using its newly purchased fixed-wing twin engine Piper Navajo five passenger plane. “The fixed-wing plane is perfect because we use Execujet at Auckland which is an FBO service and they ground handle our aircraft. It’s about a five minute drive to the international airport; in terms of connecting those high-end clients to their international flights and private jets in Auckland, it works really well. “We are excited; we’ve got quite a bit of demand for it already. It can fly IFR (instrument flight rules) so it can fly in similar conditions as larger commercial airliners so it’s a great option.” Another exciting milestone is a partnership with the Lake Rotoaira Trust and the Kaimanawa Trust to build the North Island’s only private heli-biking track, a spectacular 23 kilometre alpine descent that has now completed two successful seasons, with the third launching on October 1 this year. The outlook for the coming season is extremely positive for both local and international clientele, Alice says. “We’ve got lots of pre-bookings which is a fantastic sign. This season’s going to be quite a huge one for us.” BE IN TO WIN THIS EPIC 2025 ISUZU D-MAX 3.0 DIESEL 4X4 UTE AND ACCESSORIES VALUED AT $78,500!! TICKETS $50 LIMITED TO 5000 TICKETS scan here for tickets or visit sikafoundation.co.nz RAFFLE DRAWN 9th NOV AT SIKA SHOW PRIZE GIVING FUNDRAISING RAFFLE ARDMORE FLYING SCHOOL PUKEKOHE EAST NORTH SHORE WHITIANGA ROTORUA TAUPO KERIKERI FRANZ JOSEF DUNEDIN QUEENSTOWN KEY GOfuel AVGAS GOfuel Jet A-1 RANGIORA CHRISTCHURCH HELICOPTERS MERCER ARDMORE INTO-PLANE & AERO STOP FEILDING TE KUITI TAIHAPE WHANGANUI PALMERSTON NORTH DARGAVILLE NELSON WAIROA GISBORNE NAPIER PARAPARAUMU HOKITIKA TIMARU OAMARU OMARAMA TEKAPO ALEXANDRA WANAKA INVERCARGILL TAURANGA FOR ALL YOUR FUEL NEEDS www.gofuel.co.nz 0800 42 83 83 Your One-Stop Shop for All Aviation Needs From fuel to oils and essential fluids, GOfuel has everything you need to keep flying. We’re proud to support Escape Aviation through our nationwide Aero Stop network – delivering trusted service to aviators across New Zealand.
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