National Airways plc, is to introduce charter helicopter services in Ethiopia. The helicopter imported by the air service will be the first private and commercial helicopter charter in Ethiopia. 
The company imported an AS350 helicopter according to Captain Abera Lemi owner of National Airways. The air service hopes to acquire more helicopters in the future he said.
Helicopters have several advantages for fast access to remote areas said Captain Abera. The construction, and mining sectors as well as medical relief operations can make use of helicopter services for hard to reach locations he noted.Helicopters are able to reach areas where regular aircraft are not able to go due to the absence of airports of difficult topography explained Captain Abera.
National Airways and South Korean Hospital recently came to an arrangement for ambulance service in life threatening medical emergencies. The deal with South Korean Hospital enhances medical services in Ethiopia according to Captain Abera.
Such services will also support the tourism sector he noted.
National Airways decided to import the helicopter after failing to secure five Fokker-50 planes being sold by Ethiopian Airlines according to a company official. National failed to acquire the Fokker aircraft because private companies are not allowed to operate aircraft with more than fifty seats.
Private air services registered in Ethiopia are only allowed to operate aircraft with up to 20 seats. The regulations have been criticized for inhibiting the private aviation sector in the country by some in the industry.
Source: Capital
