Metro Manila traffic prompts launch of ride-sharing helicopter service

Prompted by Metro Manila's "grueling" traffic situation, tech mobility startup Ascent on Monday introduced its on-demand ride-sharing flight service which allows customers to air travel to various locations across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Under the new service, Ascent users can instantly purchase helicopter flights by the seat and by the route at their own time, directly from the platform.

"Apart from providing helicopter flights up to a tenth of a cost more affordable than regular charter flights, we aim to further contribute to the democratization of urban air mobility through offering seamless on-demand flights on our platform," Ascent CEO Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff said in an emailed statement.

A quick check on the Ascent platform showed that pickup points include the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Makati City, Quezon City, Bonifacio Global City, Manila Bay, Cavite, Tagaytay, Nasugbu, Mandaluyong, Alabang, Subic Bay, San Narciso, Lipa City, and the Clark International Airport.

For example, a 10-minute ride leaving NAIA going to SM City North EDSA in Quezon City would cost P10,900 per seat, excluding VAT.

Meanwhile, a 10-minute ride from NAIA to The Peninsula Hotel Manila in Makati would cost P7,900 per seat.

Users can book their on-demand flights and choose from a list of value-added services such as luggage transport, first and lasts mile ground transport, and fast track, among others, by logging on to the company's digital platform.

"The startup expects various types of commuters to avail of its on-demand service, such as companies in need of cost-effective solutions to transport time-sensitive business travelers, their guests or partners, individuals seeking to regain control of their time towards, cutting more business deals, enjoying more moments with their family or leisure, and tourists looking to live unique experiences," said Ascent.

The company said among its reasons for offering the service was the traffic condition plaguing the streets of Metro Manila.

"Due to the grueling traffic situation in Metro Manila, companies like Ascent, are finding more opportunities to ease commuters' pain points by leveraging on the steady rise of the on-demand economy in the Philippines," said Ascent.

A 2017 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already estimated that the economic cost of the gridlock has increased to P3.5 billion. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News