Helifor, the charter operation being launched in Croatia, will tap into the burgeoning demand in eastern Europe that is delighting helicopter manufacturers. Two Sokols will, Helifor's Djani Bodlovic says, form the fleet's initial nucleus. "We just signed the purchase agreement for a pair of PZL Swidnik Sokol W3A helicopters which were produced in 2006 as presidential vip helicopters. They're in an 'as new' condition with full factory warranty and 72 hour available parts for AOG supply."

The helicopters are configured in vip six seat configuration with full IFR equipment. "The Sokols are our first birds but we plan to be ready for 2009 with the two W3As and with one SW-4," Bodlovic adds. "Helifor will cover the almost empty market of dual turbine vip transport over the Adriatic Sea coast from Koper to Durres including Bosnia, Hercegovina and Montenegro."

Bodlovic says Helifor can, on demand, switch the interior to 12 seats for passengers, load a medical transportation kit or even accommodate a mobile hyperbaric chamber. He adds: "The Sokols were chosen for the very good price/performance ratio - it was a real value for the invested money. The W3A has a remarkable safety record ever since its production started back in the early 1980s and it offers excellent performance and manoeuvrability in emergency situations in single engine mode."

He points out they are made by PZL Swidnik "which produced more than 6,000 helicopters to date. If you fly a Cessna, Agusta, ATR or Bell, chances are you're traveling on an airframe produced partly in Swidnik too. Our Sokols have leather interior in an air conditioned cabin for up to 12 passengers and fly at a cruising speed of 240 km/h. It's a great combination of comfortable environment and top service. Moreover, those helicopters were built for one of the Asian presidents, they're practically collector's items."

Staffing needs have been met. "Our pilots in command are experienced, with more than 2,000 hours total time on dual turbine helicopters. We have two crews ready for each helicopter. But, in the near future, when the ordered SW-4 is delivered, we will be looking for more pilots and mechanics."

Helifor's aim is to be available 24 hours every day. "Sokols are capable of flying at temperatures from -40 to +43 degrees C, which means some 50 to 100 hours monthly block hours per helicopter." The company, formed in May 2008, he says, was a natural continuation of cooperation with Baltimex Inc. of the U.S. The helicopters were purchased from Southern Winds Aviation, LLC.

He adds: "We must emphasize the great backup we have from our insurance company, Croatia Osiguranje d.d. CO and The Croatian Postal Bank HPB."