Helipatagonia, part of the Tavistock Group and based in Río Negro, Argentina, has been in business since 2015. With an AOC from ANAC, the company operates a twin engine Bell 429 helicopter capable of carrying up to six passengers with a two pilot crew. From a hangar at Hidden Lake Estancia by Lago Escondido, and just 25 minutes flying time from Bariloche airport, the company’s main activity is corporate flights with CEOs of petroleum companies. But it also offers year-round aerial services for special charters, cargo lifting to huts and high mountain areas, search and rescue in isolated places as well as heli-skiing and heli-fly fishing. “We have the necessary ground support for fuel supply which enables us to operate flights to any city, airport or estancia in Patagonia, as well as flights to Puerto Montt and Osorno airports in Chile,” says operations manager Alfonso Naish.

Why the Bell 429? Its power and capacity allows for cargo to be lifted to the highest and most remote mountain huts. It is also useful for transporting firefighting personnel and oil workers, and for taking skiers to the most exclusive and highest mountain resorts. It is equipped with a basket to carry skis and skids for landing in the snow, and has a sliding door at the back allowing skiers an easy exit from the helicopter. Indeed, a ten-minute flight takes heli-skiers to the snow on mounts Benzano and Ventisquero in the Lago Escondido area.

The company can also perform audiovisual services, thanks to a window on the back door to the starboard side that can be opened mid-flight. The 429 can also fly with the back door fully opened in order to shoot or film more easily, and its advanced design allows it to hover with stability.