Helicentre Aviation is preparing to open a purpose-built heliport in the East of London at Damyns Hall, Upminster, Essex. The site, which is located 20 minutes from Canary Wharf, will become operational in March.

Commented Helicentre Aviation md Chris Line: "This is one of the most exciting new developments in travel around the London area in recent years and now allows business people in the City, Canary Wharf and the East to travel at a speed and level of comfort they could only have dreamed about."

Line believes that business people have become increasingly tired of travelling times in the UK. "Train travelling times are slow and unreliable, roads are congested and low cost air carriers are located many miles from London."

Typical destinations from Canary Wharf include: Birmingham (one hour five minutes), Manchester (one hour 20 minutes) and Newcastle (one hour 55 minutes).

The site will include a 20,000 square foot hangar and a business lounge. Helicentre states that it will allow operation of the popular Sikorsky S-76 and Agusta A109 helicopter types.

The fleet of helicopters available at Damyns Hall includes Robinsons, Bell 206 JetRanger, Eurocopter EC120 and Twin Squirrel. Helicentre plans to offer aircraft management services, with maintenance following in 2007.

The development of the heliport comes at a time when London is gearing itself up for the 2012 Olympics.

Helicentre believes that other major sporting events, such as the horse racing at Ascot and Cheltenham, and motor racing at Silverstone, will prove to be popular draws for its clients.