How to own a Rolls-Royce and a helicopter

If you had to sit in traffic or travel great distances, wouldn’t you rather do that while sitting comfortably in a luxurious Rolls-Royce? Or why not skip the traffic and travel time by taking a helicopter?

But let’s address the most important question first—how can you get a Rolls-Royce or a helicopter?

The straightforward answer would be, earn millions of pesos and then go to a Rolls-Royce and a helicopter dealership. But an alternative solution is now available—one that is easier, more achievable and more practical.

Last December 10, Aerohub Aviation Services together with Autohub Group of Companies, introduced their Fractional Ownership Program for Robinson’s helicopters and Rolls-Royce cars. Aerohub has an alliance with Lionair Inc., the exclusive distributor of California Corporation Robinson Helicopter Company.

The Fractional Ownership Program (FOP) is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It offers the ability to acquire partial ownership of a Rolls-Royce car and/or a Robinson helicopter (R44s and, soon, R66s). A maximum of five individuals can share the ownership of one helicopter or a Rolls-Royce car, for personal or commercial use.

Autohub Group president Willy Tee Ten explained that the FOP’s collective ownership arrangement enables owners to enjoy all the benefits of owning a helicopter or a Rolls-Royce, without the hassles that such type of ownership usually entail. Owners won’t have to worry about the pilots/drivers, hangar arrangements/parking, flight route, servicing and maintenance of the aircraft/vehicle. Aerohub and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila will take care of such concerns. Owners will only shoulder a portion of the upkeep expenses for the helicopter or the Rolls-Royce. There will be a designated Fractional Association Manager per account.

Aerohub also provides other services such as full aircraft maintenance, flight operation, regulatory compliance assistance, ad hoc charter operations, innovative aircraft ownership options, and wrap-around management services for owners.

David Cook, Aerohub’s Managing Director, highlighted the fact that their group holds an Aircraft Operators Certificate (AOC) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. An AOC is the equivalent of a US FAA Part 135 license, which is the most essential document in operating an aviation company.  Unfortunately, aviation service providers in the Philippines often lack an AOC.  Such absence is crucial because an AOC is indispensable to obtaining insurance coverage for a flight and all individuals in the aircraft.  David Cook says that Aerohub owners can be rest-assured that their helicopter ownership comes with a valid AOC, without the hassle of having to obtain it for themselves.

I personally tried Aerohub’s services, and I was very impressed with the ease and convenience of having a Rolls-Royce and R44 helicopter at my disposal.

With one quick phone call, Aerohub’s staff personally scheduled the day and time that I would take a helicopter flight. Going to and from the hangar and my home, I was chauffeured by a Rolls-Royce Ghost II.

Less than 10 minutes after taking off from Pasay with the R44 helicopter, I was already in the Ortigas area. Looking down from the sky through the R44’s huge windows, I saw the Metro Manila traffic congestion that I was able to avoid.

David Cook shared the travel times of some popular destinations—from the Aerohub hangar it takes around 15 minutes to get to Tagaytay, 30 minutes to get to Batangas, and 60 minutes to get to Baguio. The R44 helicopter can also go as far as Cebu without having to refuel.

I usually couldn’t wait to get to my destination, but riding the R44 made me wish the ride would last longer. The flight was smooth, the pilot was friendly and my seat was comfortable. Enjoying spectacular aerial views is a treat I can’t get from other forms of transportation—not even commercial flights.

As far as I can remember, helicopter or Rolls-Royce ownership has always been an exclusive privilege for very wealthy people. With the Fractional Ownership Program of Autohub and Aerohub, owning a helicopter and/or Rolls-Royce is now also an option for very practical and travel savvy people.

Inside the Rolls-Royce Ghost