How Much to Hire a Helicopter in Nigeria?

Helicopter rides are not just a luxury but a necessity in Nigeria. With its vast land as well as rough and difficult terrains, helicopter rides are the best way to travel in comfort and speed. The cost of hiring a helicopter in Nigeria depends on several factors such as distance, duration, the number of passengers, and the type of helicopter needed. In this article, we will discuss how much it costs to hire a helicopter in Nigeria.

Types of Helicopters

Before we delve into the cost of hiring a helicopter in Nigeria, let's first discuss the types of helicopters available for hire. There are four types of helicopters available for hire in Nigeria.

R-44 Raven II – This is a light helicopter that can carry up to three passengers. It is ideal for short-distance flights and sightseeing.
Robinson R-66 – This is a five-seater helicopter that is perfect for short to medium-distance flights. It is also ideal for sightseeing, aerial photography, and filming.
Bell 206 Jet Ranger – This helicopter can carry up to five passengers and is ideal for short to medium-distance flights. It is often used for corporate transportation, emergency medical services, and VIP transportation.
AgustaWestland AW139 – This is a luxury helicopter that can carry up to fifteen passengers. It is ideal for long-distance flights, offshore oil and gas operations, and VIP transportation.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Hiring a Helicopter

The cost of hiring a helicopter in Nigeria depends on several factors, including the following:

Distance

The distance to be covered is a major factor that determines the cost of hiring a helicopter. The farther the distance, the higher the cost. For example, a flight from Lagos to Abuja (a distance of approximately 700km) will cost more than a flight from Lagos to Ibadan (a distance of approximately 120km).

Duration

The duration of the flight also affects the cost of hiring a helicopter. The longer the flight, the higher the cost. Helicopter rental companies in Nigeria charge by the hour, so the longer the flight, the more you will pay.

Number of Passengers

The number of passengers also affects the cost of hiring a helicopter. The bigger the helicopter needed to accommodate the number of passengers, the higher the cost. For example, a six-seater helicopter will cost more than a three-seater helicopter.

Type of Helicopter

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of helicopters available for hire in Nigeria, and the cost of hiring one depends on the type of helicopter needed. A luxury helicopter like the AgustaWestland AW139 will cost more than a light helicopter like the R-44 Raven II.

Cost of Hiring a Helicopter in Nigeria

The cost of hiring a helicopter in Nigeria varies depending on the factors mentioned above. However, to give you an idea, here are some estimated costs of hiring a helicopter in Nigeria:

R-44 Raven II – This helicopter costs between ₦250,000 ($640) and ₦350,000 ($900) per hour.
Robinson R-66 – This helicopter costs between ₦350,000 ($900) and ₦450,000 ($1,150) per hour.
Bell 206 Jet Ranger – This helicopter costs between ₦600,000 ($1,540) and ₦800,000 ($2,050) per hour.
AgustaWestland AW139 – This luxury helicopter costs between ₦2,500,000 ($6,410) and ₦4,500,000 ($11,540) per hour.

Conclusion

Hiring a helicopter in Nigeria can be expensive, but it is worth the cost if you need to travel quickly and comfortably. The cost of hiring a helicopter in Nigeria depends on several factors, including distance, duration, number of passengers, and the type of helicopter needed. Always do your research and compare prices from different helicopter rental companies to ensure that you get the best deal.

FAQs

How do I hire a helicopter in Nigeria?
- You can hire a helicopter in Nigeria by contacting a helicopter rental company. You can find a list of helicopter rental companies in Nigeria online.
How many passengers can a helicopter carry?
- The number of passengers a helicopter can carry depends on the type of helicopter. A light helicopter like the R-44 Raven II can carry up to three passengers, while a luxury helicopter like the AgustaWestland AW139 can carry up to fifteen passengers.
Is it safe to hire a helicopter in Nigeria?
- Yes, it is safe to hire a helicopter in Nigeria as long as you choose a reputable helicopter rental company that follows safety regulations.
How long does it take to hire a helicopter in Nigeria?
- It depends on the availability of the helicopter and the time it takes to prepare for the flight. Generally, it takes a few hours to hire a helicopter in Nigeria.
What is the best time to hire a helicopter in Nigeria?
- The best time to hire a helicopter in Nigeria is during the dry season (November to April) when the weather is favorable for flying.