The ultra modern new passenger terminal at the London Heliport in Battersea is now officially open for business.

The heliport is operated and managed by PremiAir, the UK’s leading executive helicopter services company, on behalf of the von Essen Group, which owns the heliport, together with Hotel Verta, new luxury hotel due to open in September, which adjoins the impressive passenger terminal.

Heliport users now have the use of world-class business aviation facilities, a major improvement on the old passenger facilities which were built when the original heliport was opened by Westland Helicopters in 1959, a statement said.

The new heliport development, which has been ongoing for two years, will also provide additional helicopter parking capacity, a totally rebuilt and upgraded control tower and modern facilities for the heliport’s fire and rescue team.

The London Heliport remains the capital’s only licensed commercial heliport. Since it opened in 1959 it has handled more than 450,000 helicopter movements.

Heliport users fly in from locations throughout the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe. It also provides an important additional base and refuelling point for London’s police and emergency services helicopters which have a vital role in supporting and protecting the London community.

“We’re incredibly excited about the new passenger terminal,” said David McRobert, PremiAir’s group managing director.

“From a business aviation perspective it is now a superb facility and in conjunction with Hotel Verta, it really will provide heliport users with immediate access to an exceptional range of on-site services that are unique in the business aviation world.”

The new terminal features sound-proofed and air-conditioned passenger lounges, meeting rooms, conference facilities, a customer drop off area for quick and easy access, underground secure parking and a dedicated heliport reception area to enhance passenger privacy and discretion.

“The London Heliport and Hotel Verta will combine to form London’s Vertical Gateway - the first integrated hotel-heliport solution in Europe. von Essen had remarkable vision and drive to purchase and develop the site, which we believe will set the standard for executive helicopter travel worldwide. We’re delighted to be part of this exciting project and we’re looking forward to the benefits it will bring to executive helicopter charter clients and owners, particularly in London’s important run up to the 2012 Olympics.” added McRobert.

Neil Gibson, PremiAir’s head of charter and management, said:  “The Farnborough Air Show will be an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the new London Heliport facilities to senior aviation industry executives.”

“Helicopter charter and Heliport landing slot bookings for the week are already heavy as show-goers plan to make the most of their time in the UK by avoiding the inevitable lengthy show related traffic jams on London’s motorways.”

“It’s only a 20 minute helicopter trip directly into the show from the heliport and many of the aerospace companies exhibiting at the show are also chartering helicopters for business trips to other parts of the UK and into Europe in order to maximise their productivity during their stay,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service