Philippines operator INAEC Aviation Corporation has signed an order with Kopter to purchase one SH09 and one option. The SH09 will be dedicated to the expansion of Ascent Flights Global, an urban air mobility (UAM) service that was launched with INAEC in Metro Manila, the largest southeast Asian metropolis, in 2019.

This agreement marks the entry of the single engine eight to nine-seater helicopter into the Philippines, and the rise of UAM in Asia, where passengers take to the skies to skip the traffic in congested cities.

“In line with our continued focus on safe and reliable air services at high operational standards for even the most demanding of missions, we are excited to welcome the SH09 into our growing fleet,” says Aldi Dexter Ampong, INAEC general manager. “The new generation of aircraft will enable us to achieve our operational objectives and bring flying experiences to greater heights.”

In partnership with INAEC in the Philippines, Ascent offers ride-shared flights on its platform across more than 15 key hubs of activity in the Philippines, including Metro Manila and two main international airports. “The SH09 combines the latest safety technologies with unique features such as a full carbon composite airframe, flexible transport configurations and improved cost and fuel efficiency, making it a great fit for the demanding requirements of UAM. We believe this agreement will provide an elevated experience to our users,” explains Ascent founder and CEO Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff.

Kopter CCO Mathias Sénès adds: “This is a milestone for Kopter as it demonstrates the rise of UAM in Asia along with the strong demand for the SH09 in Asia Pacific and particularly in the Philippines, a long-time helicopter market. The SH09 will deliver cost-efficient performance across a wide variety of missions including UAM.”

The Philippines is the first country in Asia to fully embrace UAM through a partnership between INAEC and Ascent, said to be Asia's first technology-powered UAM platform that enables passengers to purchase on-demand helicopter ride-shared flights. As an industry pioneer and one of the leading helicopter operators in the Philippines, INAEC supports a range of services such as UAM, oil and gas operations, on-demand chartering and emergency medical services.