Page 31 - IB July 2018

Aviation

Alaena Hill, co-owner and CEO of Elite Aviation. Photo: Supplied
“It has cost a considerable amount to
Boss hill of Elite Aviation start the business which included hiring
consultants just to get to this point with
a further significant investment being
undertaken as we build our heliport at
By Nanise Volau pontoon in the waters near Denarau, with Denarau and increase our fleet to a total
the help of Elite Aviation’s partner, Avoser. of 8 helicopters,” she explained.
FIJI is now in the dawn of a new age of he- Elite’s chief executive officer and found- She said the machines are equipped with
licopter service with much bigger aircraft er Alaena Hill said the company offers thermal digital imaging that makes them
that can carry up to 13 passengers and medivac and search and rescue services. very useful when conducting searches
more cargo, and with more winch power. Due to the versatility of the aircraft they during times of emergencies.
All it took was one bad flooding event are using, they will be able to cater for up Being the largest helicopters registered
for Alaena Hill and her husband now to 4 patients. Their SAR aircraft will also in Fiji, the Bell 212 which Elite Aviation
business advisor, Mathew Hill to set up have the first ever winching capability has acquired are renowned for safety,
Elite Aviation. in Fiji reliability and multitask capabilities, and
The company is the first fully locally To date they have already invested more have been tried and tested throughout the
owned commercial aviation operator. than $2million (USD1m) into setting up world in some of the harshest climates.
Elite Aviation has also placed itself to the business which would be launched Hill said by having twin engine helicop-
become the cheapest air service provider in once the aircraft are ready. They plan to ters with the longest flight range that allow
the country without compromising safety spend a further USD$1 to $2m to expand for flights to reach the furthest areas in Fiji
for its passengers. the business. previously been inaccessible by helicopter
The company is based on the resort Hill has a background in the hospitality makes their service offering pretty special.
island of Denarau near Nadi International industry in Fiji and her strategy is to offer She is also planning pretty competitive
Airport and has entered into an alliance competitive prices in ferrying tourists to charter fees, even to the point of cutting
with Wildcat Helicopters out of Canada, the island resort of their choice. She said by half the current rates being offered by
creating a link with a world renowned she engaged with leading consultants current operators.
operator of medium fleet rotary aircraft and aviation experts in setting up Elite “This allows international guests the
capable of servicing major onshore and Aviation. They have also commenced the delight of getting their toes on the sand
offshore clients around the globe. process toward attaining an Air Operating in the Pacific Ocean minutes after arriving
The heliport is being constructed out in a Certificate. into our shores,” adds Hill.

Arrive In Style

Courtesy Transfers
Holiday in Paradise Our Way For bookings and enquiries visit our website:
www.eliteaviationfiji.com
Fly the Bula Skies the ELITE way and or call +679 777 1177 or
start your holiday on our 13 seater Twin Email: reservation@eliteaviation.com.fj
Engines Bell 212 & Arrive In Style.
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Islands Business, July 2018 31