Industry-First Partnership Brings Helicopter Airline to Canada’s Leading Travel Loyalty Program!

Helijet partners with Aeroplan to connect passengers to the world.

Helijet International, North America’s largest helicopter airline, has signed a partner participation agreement with Aeroplan, Air Canada’s official loyalty and rewards program.

From November 12, 2025, passengers flying on any eligible Helijet scheduled airline or charter services, who are Aeroplan Members, will earn Aeroplan points. To join Aeroplan’s community of more than 10 million active members and start turning daily purchases into points for flights, hotel stays, gifts and more, visit aircanada.com/aeroplan.

Helijet becomes the first helicopter airline in the world to partner with Aeroplan, empowering its fliers to earn points* and redeem them on Air Canada as well as more than 45 partner airlines, reaching more than 1,300 destinations globally. Aeroplan points can also be redeemed for hotel stays, vacation packages and merchandise.

Danny Sitnam, President & CEO of Helijet said, “This is a first-of-its-kind agreement, and we are to offer the many benefits of this award-winning airline loyalty program to our flying guests, giving them access to hundreds of destinations and services both domestically and internationally.”

“Now with Helijet, Aeroplan Members can enjoy the ease and excitement of helicopter travel while turning their journeys into rewards,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product, Air Canada. “We’re thrilled to bring together Helijet’s convenient services in British Columbia with the global reach and value of Aeroplan.”

For  Complete Media Release (pdf) Click Here

*Please note, Helijet flights do not earn Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), only points. To introduce the service, Aeroplan Points are earned with all Helijet paid fares, until further notice. 

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RICHMOND, BC (Nov. 4, 2025) – On-hand to celebrate the first all-electric passenger flight in Western Canada by BETA Technologies’ ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft, which took off and landed at Helijet International’s headquarters at Vancouver International Airport’s south terminal, were (left to right) JR Hammond, Founder and Executive Director, Canadian Advanced Air Mobility, Sheradin Fabrizius, Sales Director, BETA Technologies, and Danny Sitnam, President & CEO, Helijet.

Canada’s advanced air mobility (AAM) sector took a significant step forward today as Helijet International Inc. and Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) welcomed the arrival of BETA Technologies’ (BETA) ALIA CTOL (Conventional Take-off and Landing) model CX300 aircraft to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This is the first time BETA has flown its electric passenger- and cargo-carrying aircraft into Western Canada.

Today’s flight marks the next in a series of steps Helijet is taking to become the first Canadian air carrier to provide passenger and cargo air services using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In 2023, Helijet announced a firm order for BETA’s ALIA VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), model A250 aircraft with the support of British Columbia Premier David Eby.

Upon delivery, Helijet would integrate the ALIA VTOL aircraft into its existing network of helicopter services, providing quieter, lower-cost, sustainable air transportation for travelers in southwestern B.C. and the Pacific Northwest.

ALIA’s VTOL capability has the potential to enhance Helijet’s ongoing provision of healthcare and cargo air services in the Lower Mainland. This effort, which is being conducted alongside Helijet’s alliance partner, Helicopters Without Borders, aims to support rural and remote communities that do not have access to affordable and convenient air services.

“Helijet is delighted to welcome the first arrival of the CX300 to our terminal here at YVR,” said Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam. “Today’s smooth and successful demonstration flight is tangible proof that the future of passenger and cargo flights is aboard quiet and emissions-free aircraft like the CX300 and its counterpart the ALIA eVTOL model from BETA Technologies. When it comes to customer service and environmental sustainability, Helijet is proud to be an early adopter of innovative technology that prioritizes the needs of people and the planet.”

“In the past two years, we have steadily increased our presence in Canada, from opening offices in Montréal, landing the first electric aircraft at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, joining the CAAM board, and forging an ongoing partnership with Helijet to help create cargo and passenger solutions for Western Canada,” said Sheradin Fabrizius, Sales Director at BETA. “We’re excited for the industry’s growth as we demonstrate that quiet, lower-cost electric aviation is quickly becoming a reality across the continent.”

“Today’s arrival of the BETA ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft at YVR marks another aviation milestone for advanced air mobility in B.C. and Canada,” added CAAM Executive Director JR Hammond. “The progress being achieved by Helijet, BETA and CAAM members across the country demonstrates that advanced air mobility is quickly becoming operational reality for carriers, airports and fixed-base operators worldwide.”

For media release (pdf) Click Here

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With a giant Canadian flag splashed across the body, accompanied by the phrase “True North Strong and Free”, Helijet International proudly launches a new “Team Canada” look today for one of its Sikorsky S-76 passenger helicopters.

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After the donation was first announced in February, the aircraft was partially disassembled for its long air and ground trek from Helijet’s headquarters in Richmond, B.C. to its arrival point in Ukraine. Until recently, the Sikorsky aircraft, owned by Helijet, had been providing backup air medical service to the Ministry of Health for patient transport in B.C. It remains in airworthy and operational condition.

Danny Sitnam, President of Helijet International, has flown to Ukraine himself this week to personally oversee the handover of the aircraft, and get a first-hand sense of conditions on the ground in Ukraine.

“Once you’re here, what the war has done to the Ukrainian people and their villages and cities suddenly becomes real in a way that just can’t be fully conveyed in the reports we see on the news,” Sitnam says. “Having helped with various Ukrainian relief efforts in Canada since the Russian invasion began here three years ago, I knew simply gifting one of our now-surplus aircraft for use over here would make a positive impact. I’d like to encourage all companies in the Canadian aviation industry to join in and look at what they can spare from their fleets, and match or beat our contribution. The people here will appreciate any help more than you can know.”

Helijet’s gift is made on condition that the helicopter is used solely for non-commercial, humanitarian, and medical evacuation missions to airlift individuals in need of urgent medical care to hospitals in Ukraine. The donation was made possible under an agreement between Helijet and a consortium of non-governmental organizations working in Canada and Ukraine: Maple Hope Foundation and the Ukrainian World Congress.

Danny Sitnam, CEO, Helijet with Svitlana Kominko, CEO, Maple Hope Foundation

“The significance of this gift, Danny’s personal attention and involvement, and now his very presence here in Ukraine to oversee the exchange is reflective of the united support we’ve seen from the Canadian people. Danny doesn’t have a single drop of Ukrainian blood in him, but he understands the importance of providing support to help people in desperate need whoever, or wherever, they may be. His bold, transformative actions will directly save lives. And the donation of a Sikorsky helicopter also comes ‘full circle’ for us symbolically as the Ukrainian people continue to fight this war. Igor Sikorsky himself was born in Kyiv and surely had no idea that his invention of 100 years ago would become part of the effort to save lives in his own native country today.” -Svitlana Kominko, CEO, Maple Hope Foundation

“In a war where seconds mean the difference between life and death, this helicopter will become a lifeline, a flying beacon of hope for the wounded and vulnerable. Helijet’s extraordinary donation is not just a gesture of solidarity; it’s a bold act of humanity that will save lives on the front lines. Danny Sitnam’s decision to personally bring this aircraft to Ukraine sends a clear message: the world has not turned its back. This is what true allyship looks like — courageous, compassionate, and immediate. On behalf of all those whose lives will be touched by this gift, we say thank you. History will remember this.” -Andrew Potichnyj, Director, Unite with Ukraine initiative, Ukrainian World Congress

“Helijet’s donation is a profound act of solidarity that exemplifies the best of humanity. In the face of brutality and destruction, this medically equipped helicopter will serve as a symbol of life, hope, and unwavering support from the people of Canada. Danny Sitnam’s leadership and personal commitment to delivering this aircraft to Ukraine show the world what real partnership looks like. Not just words, but action. We urge others in the global business community to follow Helijet’s lead. Ukraine’s fight for freedom is not just our battle, it is a stand for the values of democracy, dignity, and the sanctity of human life.” -Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian World Congress

For full media release (pdf) Click Here

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Heliport at Nanaimo Harbour Welcome Centre

Helijet is celebrating its first 10 years of serving travellers between Nanaimo and Vancouver by offering a one-day “throwback fare” of $109 on Tuesday, March 11.

Helijet began its service between Vancouver Harbour Heliport and its Nanaimo Harbour Heliport on March 11, 2015, providing a vital and reliable 20-minute transportation link between the Lower Mainland and central Vancouver Island.

It began as a weekday service but later expanded to seven days a week flying a Sikorsky S76 12-seat passenger helicopter.

“Nanaimo and its connected communities on Vancouver Island continue to grow and over the years, so has the demand for our daily service to Nanaimo,” said Rick Hill, Vice President of Commercial & Business Programs at Helijet. “Today, we offer 12 flights daily between Nanaimo and Vancouver and have carried more than 196,000 passengers in our first 10 years. We look forward to continuing this clearly popular service into our second decade, and we’re saying thank you by offering our passengers our special $109 anniversary fare, the same price we offered on opening day.”

Reservations for the $109 flights, valid for flights on March 11^th only, are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis online at helijet.it.com or by phone at 1.800.665.4354.

Click to read full press release (pdf)

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Danny Sitnam, Helijet CEO, Svitlana Kominko, Co-Founder and CEO of Maple Hope Foundation, Andrew Potichnyj, Director Unite With Ukraine with Sikorsky S76 (l-r)

Designed by Ukrainian-born Igor Sikorsky’s renowned helicopter company, the Sikorsky Aircraft  S-76A helicopter is the first private donation of an aircraft of this magnitude from Canada to Ukraine, organized by the joint efforts of Canadian business and the Ukrainian diaspora.

Helijet International is donating a fully operational, medically equipped helicopter from its fleet to be used for missions of mercy in Ukraine. Helijet has signed an agreement with a consortium of Canadian and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations Maple Hope Foundation, the Ukrainian World Congress, and Initiative E+ to accept the delivery and title of a Sikorsky S-76A air ambulance helicopter. Together, the three organizations have been working with Helijet over the span of eight months to arrange the shipment of the aircraft to Ukraine.

The Sikorsky S-76A is a fully equipped air medical helicopter that Helijet had previously provided under contract to the Ministry of Health for patient transport in B.C. The aircraft has now been recently removed from that service but still has years of flight capability remaining. The gift is made on condition that the helicopter is used solely for non-commercial, humanitarian, and medical evacuation missions to airlift individuals in need of urgent medical care to hospitals in Ukraine.

In November, Helijet and the Vancouver-based Maple Hope Foundation hosted two pilots and two engineers from Ukraine who came here to receive flight, maintenance and deployment training for the helicopter at Helijet’s Richmond, B.C. base of operations. To assist in the shipment of the helicopter, the Maple Hope Foundation also launched a national online crowdfunding campaign that allowed Ukrainians from across Canada join the mission of delivering this life-saving helicopter. The campaign raised $101,530 in three weeks from more than 730 donors.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, that began in February 2022, Helijet has also been providing relief assistance on other fronts including facilitating the staging of medical supply shipments coordinated and secured by Maple Hope Foundation bound for Ukraine at its Richmond hangar. Helijet president Danny Sitnam and his family opened their home in April of 2022 and supported a family of three, fleeing from the Ukraine until they could find a home of their own in Vancouver.

“We’ve since become great friends with this family,” said Sitnam. “Supporting them was just the start of a commitment we made at Helijet to help Maple Hope Foundation as the unrelenting struggle with Russia continues for the people of Ukraine.”

“This project represents the culmination of a deeply meaningful partnership between Helijet and our organization, one that began during a time of crisis. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion ofUkraine in February 2022, and displaced Ukrainians began arriving in Canada in unprecedented numbers, Danny Sitnam and his family were among the first to extend a helping hand. Since that moment, Danny and the entire Helijet team have been unwavering in their support of Maple Hope’s relief efforts for Ukraine. Helijet’s donation of the Sikorsky S-76 medevac helicopter is not only extraordinarily generous, but also historically significant, demonstrating the resolve of Canadians united in support for Ukraine during the third year of the full-scale invasion — not through words, but bold, transformative actions that will directly save lives”.

-Svitlana Kominko, CEO, Maple Hope Foundation

“The incredible donation of the Sikorsky S-76A medevac helicopter by Helijet is a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond and unwavering support from Ukraine’s allies in Canada. This life-saving air ambulance will be a game-changer, delivering critical medical aid to those suffering in the war-torn regions of Ukraine. On behalf of the Ukrainian World Congress, I extend my deepest gratitude to Danny Sitnam and the entire Helijet team for their heroic commitment to aiding the people of Ukraine during these challenging times. We also owe immense thanks to the Maple Hope Foundation for their relentless dedication to making this collaboration possible. Together, we are not just saving lives; we are igniting hope and making a monumental impact.”

– Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian World Congress.

Click to read full Press Release (pdf)

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Santa & Elf with members of BC Emergency Health Services & Helijet

It’s a milestone year as Helijet International and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) mark 20 years of presenting their annual “Santa Flights”.

Now a holiday season tradition, Santa is once again “hitching a ride” in a BCEHS air ambulance for a whirlwind, same-day tour to visit children in pediatric units at six hospitals in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

It’s also a big year for BCEHS, which is celebrating the 50th year of British Columbia’s provincial ambulance service. Today, BCEHS is one of the largest ambulance services in North America, providing care to British Columbians in every corner of the province.

This year’s “Santa Flights” itinerary includes Victoria General, Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian, Nanaimo Regional General, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and the BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre. At each stop, Santa brings toys to the kids and Christmas cheer for everyone including family members and healthcare workers.

“Santa’s visits bring joy and hope to our young patients who find themselves in hospital at this special time of the year,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The Santa Flights also remind us to celebrate the dedication of our front-line workers, including specialized paramedics who provide crucial medical care for our courageous children as they fight to get well soon. We appreciate the efforts made by everyone to fly Santa to visit these children and add a little holiday cheer.”

Joining Santa and his elf for this year’s “Santa Flights” is David Nemec, one of BCEHS’ specially trained Infant Transport Team (ITT) paramedics who care for, and transport, babies and young children with acute or emergency health needs. David is also the interim unit chief of Station 283, the Infant Transport Team’s station based at BC Children’s Hospital.

“We all look forward to the Santa Flights each year and it’s an honour to represent our dedicated ITT critical care team on this year’s rounds,” said David. “Every day, we help children all over B.C. who need medical care, but when we fly in with Santa, we get to visit kids in a setting where they’re in better spirits. It’s so gratifying to see them smile as they bravely face their health challenges.”

Also flying with Santa is Danny Sitnam, President and CEO of Helijet which operates Sikorsky air ambulance helicopters used by BCEHS. “We began this whole idea with a single flight that took Santa by helicopter to one hospital in our first year. No one knew back then that it would grow to what it’s become today, with six hospital visits in a single day. Only flying Santa by helicopter makes that possible. All of us at Helijet are happy to have this opportunity to work once again with BCEHS and help make the holiday season special for these kids who find themselves in hospital as Christmas approaches.”

Click to read full media release (pdf)

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Helijet’s Cessna Citation X charter flights booked through the Airble website or mobile app offer non-stop access to numerous North American destinations, including Cabo San Lucas, Toronto, New York, Miami, Hawaii, plus the Caribbean. Flights to European destinations can also be arranged through Airble.

With decades of experience safely flying more than 2.5 million passengers since it began in 1986, Helijet is a trusted name in aviation offering North America’s largest scheduled passenger helicopter airline, plus fixed-wing charter services.

Now, through its new flight scheduling partnership, Airble takes a major leap forward by adding Helijet private charter deals across British Columbia, North America, and beyond. Empty leg flight offers are also available.

“We are thrilled to welcome Helijet aboard and are confident you will love their exceptional service,” said Airble CEO Saeed Golzar. “At Airble, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our mission. Airble’s automated platform streamlines the entire air charter process, making it simple for you to browse, book, and instantly pay for your desired travel experience. We are committed to reducing unnecessary emissions by filling seats on aircraft in service, including numerous private empty leg deals. There may be up to 50 deals available on airble.com at any given time.”

Expanded International Reach via Helijet’s Cessna Citation X

Based at its own independent base at Vancouver International Airport (YVR,) Helijet added the Cessna Citation X turbojet aircraft to its fleet earlier this year. One of the fastest luxury commercial jets available, the Citation X has a travel range double that of smaller corporate jets, with cruising speeds exceeding 700mph (Mach .92) and capable of flying at altitudes of 50,000 ft.

The aircraft features:

• Club-style cabin passenger seating for eight, with a spacious stand-up cabin configuration
• Ample temperature-controlled independent luggage and cargo compartments
• Full connectivity with phone, Wi-Fi, internet and streaming services at each seat

Helijet’s Citation X service is also complemented by a six-passenger Learjet aircraft available for charter, as well as connecting passenger helicopter services from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria and Nanaimo.

“We’re happy to have Airble join us in offering our clients the ability to streamline the booking process for our charter aircraft,” Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam stated. “Together we can offer our customers an incomparable business class booking and travel experience to meet their long-distance travel requirements.”

Press Release: Click for PDF release

About Airble

Since 2019, Richmond B.C. based Airble has led the revolution in private aviation by operating as an air charter platform through digital booking. Our core ethos is founded on displaying accurate aircraft availability, transparent prices, and instant booking. Our vision is to build the ultimate platform for passengers and air operators to connect, directly and forge ourselves as the trusted marketplace for on-demand air travel and change the global perception of private aviation. https://airble.com/

About Helijet:

Helijet International is a privately held Canadian-owned company based at the Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada, and is recognized as North America’s largest helicopter airline, carrying more than 2.5 million guests since 1986. In addition to its scheduled helicopter services, Helijet is the Province of British Columbia’s longest standing and largest air service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters.

Helijet provides exclusive-use helicopter and fixed-wing services to world-renowned sport fishing resorts, public service and energy companies throughout the west coast of British Columbia and North America. Helijet’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Heliport Services, Ltd., is Canada’s largest privately managed Heliport operator, overseeing Transport Canada-certified heliports in downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo. Helijet has been recognized by communities and aviation associations alike as a socially responsible and forward-thinking air operator that deeply engages with the communities it serves. For more information, visit https://charter-flights/citation-x/

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Helijet is pleased to announce it will be expanding its existing fixed-wing charter services to offer private air travel customers greater non-stop travel range, comfort and convenience for North American and intercontinental charter flights.

Helijet has added a Cessna Citation X turbojet aircraft to its fleet, adding superior cabin capacity and value to meet, and exceed, the expectations of Helijet’s helicopter and fixed-wing guests.

With a travel range double that of smaller corporate jets, the Citation X, is one of the world’s fastest commercial jets with cruising speeds of over 700mph or Mach .92 and capable of flying at altitudes of 50,000 ft. The aircraft will be configured and feature:

• Eight club-style cabin passenger seating, with stand-up cabin configuration
• Private lavatory facilities
• Ample temperature-controlled independent luggage and cargo compartments
• Full phone, wi-fi, internet and streaming movie service at each passenger seat.

With the Citation X’s exceptional range, passengers can fly non-stop from Vancouver to numerous North American destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Toronto, New York, Miami, Hawaii, plus the Caribbean.  Flight plans to take passengers even further to European destinations can also be arranged.

Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam stated today, “Our team is excited to now offer and afford our clients the ability to meet their long-distance travel requirements in a unique business class cabin environment, while delivering non-stop, uninterrupted and hassle-free airfield to airfield service.”

Guests chartering Helijet’s Citation X can now board and deplane from Helijet’s exclusive South Terminal passenger lounge facility, where they are afforded complementary and secure vehicle parking, lounge waiting facilities and complimentary ground shuttle service to YVR’s International/Domestic terminal if making connecting flights.

In addition to the Citation X air service, Helijet complements on-going travel with its six-passenger Learjet aircraft, as well as its scheduled helicopter services from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria and Nanaimo.

Citation X air service will be available from March 1, 2024.
Inquiries can be made at: charters@helijet.it.com or call: 1-800-987-4354

Press Release: Click for PDF release

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For the 19^th straight year, BCEHS and Helijet are helping Santa bring toys and Christmas cheer to kids in six hospitals, all in a single day. This year’s “Santa Flights” will visit Victoria General, Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian, Nanaimo Regional General, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and the BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre.

“I’m delighted that BCEHS and Helijet are helping Santa make their special hospital run to lift the spirits of children who require care in hospital at this special time of the year,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “I am constantly amazed by the tremendous courage and resilience of our children who are bravely fighting to get well soon. Santa’s visits not only bring joy and hope to our young patients but also celebrate the dedication of our front-line workers, including specialized paramedics who provide crucial medical care for children across the province. Thank you all for making this wonderful trip possible.”

Joining Santa for the air ambulance flights is Brian Thornburn, one of BCEHS’ specially trained Infant Transport Team (ITT) paramedics who care for and transport babies and young children with acute or traumatic emergency health needs to hospital.

“It’s an honour to be part of a dedicated critical care team like ITT that has provided specialized paramedic care to the province’s youngest patients since 1976,” Brian said. “We usually meet patients and their families during stressful medical emergencies, so joining them instead for a wonderful holiday tradition is incredibly special for me and all the paramedics I proudly represent today.”

Also on board the Santa Flights is Danny Sitnam, President and CEO of Helijet which operates air ambulance helicopters for BCEHS.

“Everyone at Helijet is proud to work with BCEHS and its paramedics to provide 24/7 helicopter service for critically ill patients across the province,” said Sitnam. “And for the 19^th straight year, all of us at Helijet are happy to have this opportunity to help make the holiday season special for these courageous kids and their families who find themselves in hospital instead of at home as Christmas approaches.”

Click for press release (pdf) 2023Dec12 Media Release – Santa Flights

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