Helijet International is planning to launch flights between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, perhaps as early as this winter.



The service from Nanaimo's cruise ship terminal is aimed at business travellers and commuters, Helijet CEO Danny Sitnam said in a statement on Thursday.



Helijet plans to offer up to seven return flights daily Monday through Friday during the busy fall and winter seasons, when its air services are typically in high demand.



It would use 12-passenger, twin engine, two-pilot Sikorsky helicopters for the 18-minute flights.



"We've identified launching a new route between Nanaimo and Vancouver as a priority for us, and we're working through all of the many planning, logistical, and operational matters that go with setting up an entirely new route like this," said Sitnam. "We could start as soon as this winter, although a lot of work has yet to be completed, so an exact start-up date will be forthcoming." Bernie Dumas, chief executive of the Nanaimo Port Authority, said the organization is backing the project.



"Helijet's reputation as an efficient service enhances the links to our central island location and contributes to flexible itineraries for business and tourism activities," he said.



Sasha Angus, CEO of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation, said the service would provide more certainty for flyers between Nanaimo and Vancouver.



"There are times in the winter months when many regular flights become fogged in, but the (Helijet Sikorsky) craft that would be used has a lower allowable ceiling to land so they would be more dependable," he said.

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