You will soon be able to book a helicopter via your smartphone

With Uber and Grab, you can get a car ride with just a couple of taps on your smartphone. If you prefer to fly, there’s an app just for that. It’s called Heli Taxi and it will be available in three month’s time.

The new service was launched by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, during the “I am Usahawan GO 4.0” carnival in Langkawi. The app is developed by Heli Outpost Sdn Bhd which will allow you to book a helicopter as easy as ordering a ride-sharing car. The app has real-time tracking and a built-in payment system for a hassle-free experience.

There are no pricing details yet and Heli Taxi will provide two types of services. The first option is a Helicopter Tour where tourists can book a ride to fly around Langkawi Island. The next option allows passengers to book a ride to specific destinations such as Alor Star to Ipoh.

There will be 11 helicopters available which consists of six Robinson R44 which can accommodate 3 passengers and a pilot, and five Robinson R66 which can carry 4 passengers and 1 pilot. The helicopters are operated by Cempaka Helicopter Corporation Sdn Bhd.

It was reported that the helicopter service has enjoyed good response since its introduction in 2009. In the first few years they have flown about 5,000 passengers annually and this number has increased to a new record of 18,000 passengers for last year with an average of 20 flights per day.

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