Over The Top welcomes twin-engine helicopter to Queenstown

Pioneering helicopter company Over The Top has added a twin-engine helicopter to its fleet.
 
The leading luxury helicopter operator has welcomed a twin-engine AS355 helicopter to its Queenstown fleet, the only twin-engine helicopter currently available in the popular resort town.
 
Over The Top specialises in the needs of the luxury market and has seen increasing demand, particularly from high-end clients, for a twin-engine helicopter with dual pilots.
 
The AS355 - a twin-engine version of the popular Airbus Helicopters Squirrel -- incorporates added reliability and performance while still retaining excellent handling, manoeuvrability and sturdiness.
 
Following on from the addition of the Airbus H 130 T2 to the Over The Top helicopter fleet in June, Over The Top is thrilled to now offer the AS355 twin-engine helicopter.
 

Over the Top’s new AS355 twin-engine helicopter pictured on the Tutoko Glacier. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

“Over the last few summers when high-end clients have requested twin engine helicopters, we’ve had to arrange to sub-lease these from outside the area,” said Over The Top owner and chief pilot Louisa Patterson.
 
“Clients regularly request a twin engine helicopter with two pilots, so we are delighted to now be able to offer this service from our Queenstown base.
 
“This summer is looking to be very busy for our North and South Island bases and I’m positive that the helicopter tourism industry at large will all benefit from the marketing that’s been done in the premium sector with Tourism New Zealand.”
 

Passengers enjoying atrip to the Tutoko Glacier on Over the Top’s new twin-engine helicopter. Photo courtesy of Sothern PR

The aircraft carries five to six passengers in comfort and style in a single pilot configuration and four passengers when there are two pilots at the controls. The unobstructed cabin and forward-looking seats mean excellent visibility for all passengers on board.
 
The interior is appointed with leather seats and noise-cancelling Bose headsets, and the aircraft boasts the iconic, sophisticated and instantly-recognisable Over The Top black-charcoal livery.
 
The aircraft is one of the most successful twin-engine helicopters in the world with over 3.5 million flight hours logged.