Singapore-based tech start-up Ascent has launched a new helicopter ride-sharing platform in the Philippines in an effort to help people save time in the traffic-congested capital and connect major cities.

Founded last year by former aviation executive Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff and technology entrepreneur Darren Tng, Ascent started selling helicopter flights in the Philippines on April 8.

The helicopter service is supported by the fleet of local air operator, INAEC Aviation Corporation (INAEC).

Passengers can now buy their seat and fly between busy locations in Manila such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport; the Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Quezon City central business districts (CBDs) and regional destinations north and south of the capital such as Clark and Tagaytay.

Congestion

Sinai-Sinelnikoff said: “Despite being one of the fastest growing business hubs in Southeast Asia, Manila’s traffic situation is also one of the most challenging in the region. With the launch of Ascent in the Philippines, we hope to provide a solution that is highly relevant to the current times’ economic and productivity pitfalls caused by congested roads.”

He added that CBDs in Manila have an untapped transportation opportunity as there is a good number of helipads and helicopters with low utilisation.

“Ascent aims to connect CBDs more easily and promote the country as an ideal destination to conduct business through urban air mobility,” he said.

Ascent also offers services such as luggage transport, on-ground guest assistance, airport transfers via helicopter, shuttle services to dedicated heliports, and enterprise solutions.