Third Mainland Closure – Lagosians Not Partronizing Helicopter Shuttle Service

Chief Operating Officer of Tropical Arctic Logistics Limited, Femi Adeniji, has lamented about the poor patronage of the helicopter shuttle services that have been provided by his organization.

The helicopter shuttle service is provided to convey passengers between Ikeja and Lagos Island due to the on the partial closure of Lagos Third Mainland Bridge.

He said, “So far it has been low; no business. We have been on the ground for a while. There have been a lot of requests but no follow through.”

Several firms including Tropical Arctic Logistics Limited and Vetifly launched a helicopter charter system to help high net worth individuals to cross the bridge without hassles.

The charges of both firms are denominated in dollars.

Adeniji said, “The helicopter is capable of carrying 12 people but because of COVID-19, we restricted it to eight so that we can give some distance.

“Each passenger, we are charging them $500 per trip. It is just the operating cost on the helicopter. It is not a lot. Any CEO who sits in the traffic will spend at least a $1000 based on efficiency.”

Country Manager for Vetifly, Abiodun Olawale-Cole, said its own helicopter charter service would come in August. It is expected to charge each passenger an average of $150 dollars per trip.

Olawale-Cole said, “our service will launch later in August. We are flying from VI to the Ikeja airports. We also fly VI to Ibadan, VI to Akure.

“The price varies based on availability and times as well. The average price is $150 per person. Once we launch, you can download the app.”

Aviation expert, Olumide Ohunayo, said the idea was of shuttle service was a welcome development since the target was top income earners.

He said, “I saw the helicopter charter services as an alternative to the malady of the Lagos traffic and due to the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge.

“It is a high-end exclusive service. I expect them to have good operations. This service is meant for top executives, the diplomatic community and high-end earners. It will build some confidence in the industry.”