Jamaica's only helicopter tour and charter company, Island Hoppers commenced air services at Sangster International Airport on Monday.

The Island Hoppers Helicopter parked at the Sangster International Airport.

Based in the cruise ship capital, Ocho Rios, their entrance into the tourism mecca has been welcomed by Jorge Sales, chief executive officer of MBJ Airports Limited.

"Helicopter services are an important part of our on-going expansion and product mix in transforming Sangster International Airport into a world-class facility," noted Mr. Sales.

He said that in addition to providing a full range of helicopter services, the start of operations closely precedes the opening of the private and corporate IAM Jet Centre - Montego Bay.

"MBJ Airports Limited will be able to offer helicopter transfers to VIP customers who arrive on private and corporate aircraft."

With the arrival into Jamaica of an additional Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter, Island Hoppers has the ability to provide charter flights for passenger transfers, power line patrols, photography and cinematography in addition to sightseeing tours of Jamaica. The service will be well established prior to the peak winter tourist season and Cricket World Cup in March 2007.

Captain John Morris, director of operations for Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Limited commented stated that the entire company joined him in celebrating the opening of their second operating base.

Island Hoppers new check-in counters and offices are located inside the domestic terminal for the convenience of its customers.

When asked about the popularity of helicopter tours in Jamaica, Captain Morris responded that he felt that the most popular tour from Sangster International Airport would be the innovative 'Memories of Jamaica' tour. "On this 30-minute tour, we fly you along the coastline overlooking Rose Hall Great House, home of the 'White Witch' Annie Palmer, to Falmouth, Jamaica's 18th Century commercial capital. From there we take our clients inland and fly over the Hampden Sugar Estate, over the cruise ship wharf to the exclusive Round Hill area, before turning inbound to Sangster International Airport."

"The view from above is spectacular," he exclaimed. Based on an adult party of four, the cost of the 'Memories of Jamaica' tour is US$125.00 per person, said Captain Morris.