Steyn City, a residential estate located in Johannesburg between Sandton and Midrand has recently launched its Ultimate Helistop marking a a first for residential developments in South Africa.
According to developers, Douw Steyn and Giuseppe Plumari, who is also Steyn City Properties CEO, addition of the Ultimate Helistop’s facilities allows for both the storing of helicopters and scheduling flights.
“The addition of the helistop was always part of the “master plan”. It represents the culmination of a dream for us.
“From the very beginning, when [Steyn] and I were just starting to imagine what it would take to really distinguish Steyn City, we considered the facilities we should make available to residents. We agreed that, given our accent on luxury, a helistop would be an excellent addition to our parkland residence. For a start, “these helipads function simply as a launch or landing pad,” said Plumari.
He added that Ultimate HELI was “an obvious choice as a partner” for the facility owing to the company’s experience, expertise and reputation as a world-class helicopter and heliport operator.
He said they were thrilled to be able to offer Steyn City’s residents this one-of-a-kind service, keeping a promise to deliver the best lifestyle estate in the world.
The Ultimate Helistop differs from conventional helipads that may be found at other developments, luxury golf or bush destinations for several reasons though the maintenance of the helicopters will take place off site.
Officially opening Steyn City’s terminal, Ultimate HELI CEO Shaun Roseveare said they were excited by the development and were pleased to be part of this extraordinary venture explaining that it will offer quality and efficient standards to customers.
Roseveare pointed out that the project also received the approval of the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Civil Aviation Organisation regulations, ensuring full compliance with local requirements.
“It’s a very exciting development and we look forward to providing first class helicopter services to the residents of Steyn City. The helistop will give residents the convenience of helicopter services to shuttle them to the Sandton central business district, airport transfers, scenic flights, direct transfers to other towns, cities and lodges. It was designed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations, complying with all recognised international standards,” Roseveare said.
Steyn City was introduced to the market in 2015, setting new standards by offering a living space with unparalleled facilities and a range of homes from luxury apartments, lock up and go cluster homes and freehold houses.
Architect Bryan Charters, who worked closely with Ultimate HELI to ensure the building complied with international standards said, “The building’s magnificent design mirrors the blades of a helicopter rotor and a touch of elegance has been added by leading interiors’ expert Stephen Falcke.”
It has been highlighted that there is an upstairs office suite with a private meeting pod for guests to host a meeting on arrival or prior to departure, as well as washroom facilities to freshen up before the flight.
The Ultimate helistop has three independent helicopter parking pads and is a seven-star facility hosting a full array of attentive services including a reception area, a lounge and viewing area for convenience and comfort with a coffee station and the latest reads.
It is also capable of storing a number of helicopters in its sizeable hangar, which measures 650m².
According to Plumari, the helistop’s parking bay configuration also makes it possible to load up to three helicopters at a time, ensuring there is no delay between taxi or take-off, even if more than one flight has been scheduled.
All services provided by Ultimate Heli are also available to non-residents, who can schedule or charter a flight to make a weekend getaway more enjoyable.
Flights can also be organised for time pressed business people who need to conduct regular site visits or simply to mark a special occasion such as an anniversary celebration mid-air with a bottle of bubbly, or a gifting idea for your golfing partner’s next big birthday before a round of golf at Steyn City’s Nicklaus Design championship golf course.
The launch began with the arrival of the Ultimate branded Bell Long Ranger several other helicopters arrived throughout the day.
By Joyce Mukucha
