Catering to growing demand for its aerial tours of Hong Kong, HeliHongKong has ordered a second Eurocopter fitted with special equipment for photographers.

Helicopters Hong Kong Limited (HeliHongKong) tours leave daily at 3 pm from a helipad in the Central business district. HeliHongKong offers a 12-minute trip for HK$800 (US$103) per person aboard its six-seat Eurocopter AS350 B3 under its FIT (Frequent Individual Traveller) programme. Flights of up to an hour are also available.

The service is strongly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which promotes the tours through its overseas offices.

Commercial director of HeliHongKong Clara Lau said the flight takes off even if there is only one passenger on board. "Once we take the booking, we are committed to fly."

Ms Lau said HeliHongKong chief executive officer Andrew Tse sees a scheduled helicopter service as a product suitable for visitors who may not have time to see all that Hong Kong has to offer. "Many people come in and out of Hong Kong in a rush, and a helicopter trip is an ideal mode of transportation for those in a hurry who would otherwise not have the time to see the country parks."

Ms Lau added: "People know that Hong Kong is a beautiful metropolitan city but for them to see so much greenery takes them by surprise. This aerial tour which allows them to see so much in a limited time has nothing comparable in the world."

Customers have come from all over the world, including a growing number of Japanese visitors. Ms Lau is also confident that the affordable prices will attract an increasing number of mainland Chinese tourists.

The flight starts off in busy Central. "You cross the harbour full of cargo ships and cruise vessels, and in another minute you are looking at the world's busiest container port. The ride then passes over the Tsing Ma bridge, the world's biggest suspension bridge carrying both road and rail traffic," Ms Lau said.

The aerial tour takes in the spectacular southern shoreline of Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen harbour and Repulse Bay before returning to Central via the Happy Valley racecourse.

To meet demand, HeliHongKong is taking delivery of a second Eurocopter, fitted with equipment giving photographers, both amateur and professional, maximum flexibility to take shots through the helicopter's open doors while being securely harnessed to the aircraft. "I see an increase in this area of work due to the prices we offer and the better technology for creative photography that is available," Ms Lau said.

HeliHongKong is the only company to offer daily scheduled sightseeing trips, although another company Heliservices (Hong Kong) Ltd, operates charter flights.

Related links:
Helicopters Hong Kong Limited  www.helihongkong.com/
Hong Kong Tourism Board www.discoverhongkong.com/
Heliservices (Hong Kong) Ltd www.heliservices.com.hk/