The only really successful helicopter fractional operator is not in the U.S. as one would expect, but rather in South America–or, to be more precise, in one city in Brazil. That city is São Paulo, the financial capital of the wealthiest state of Brazil. With nearly 20 million people, São Paulo is the most populous metropolitan area in South America and, according to some census compilations, the fourth largest in the world. Its concentration of people and the consequential urban problems of heavy traffic, crime and wealth distribution make it perfect for helicopter operations. Not surprisingly, São Paulo hosts about half of Brazil’s nearly 900 helicopters and has more elevated helipads–estimated at more than 200–than any other city in the world.
Formed in December 1999 after three years of study, HeliSolutions operates a mixed fleet of Robinson R22s and R44s, single-turbine Eurocopter EC 120s and AS 350B3s and twin-turbine Bell 430s. The company does not release precise numbers of aircraft or shareowners, citing shareowners’ desire for anonymity and security. Said HeliSolutions founding president Allan James Paiotti, “I will say we are number one in the world in number of helicopter fractional shareowners, and that we have more than a dozen helicopters.” The fleet averages about 500 flight hours per month. Last month Paiotti left his executive position as president to become a partner at Phoenix Strategic Financial Advisors, the largest individual equity owner of HeliSolutions. He continues to oversee HeliSolutions at the board level, and is involved in other investment activities.
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