Lao Westcoast Helicopter Company has been supplying helicopter transport services within the Lao PDR since July 1991. In recent years the company has expanded its services to include Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar. All four regions are serviced from the company's base in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Lao Westcoast Helicopter currently operates a fleet of eight (8) AS350B2 helicopters in the region.

Lao Westcoast Helicopters is a subsidiary of Helicopters (New Zealand) Limited.
Helicopters (NZ) and its other subsidiary companies, Helicopters (Australia) Pty Ltd,
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters and Helicopters Cambodia operate a fleet of 45 single and multi engine helicopters throughout the Asia Pacific region. Helicopters
(NZ) have been in operation since 1955 and are a leading supplier of quality
helicopter services.

Lao Westcoast Helicopters pilots all have a minimum of 1000 hours flight time on turbine helicopters. All pilots undergo an annual proficiency check with the Group Chief Pilot. All Lao Westcoast Pilots and engineers are expatriate New Zealanders and Australians.

The AS350B Series helicopter is a six-seat light turbine machine of French
Manufacture. One military observer is required to be carried on each flight; up to four seats remain available for passengers or cargo. Internal or external payload depends on fuel state and landing site conditions. Plan for approximately 400kg (AS350B) and 700 kg (AS350B2)

All flights in the Lao PDR require prior approval from the Ministry of National
Defence. This can be arranged by Lao Westcoast. However the hirer must provide full details of time, dates, locations and passenger names for this to be obtained. This approval can take a minimum of three working days to obtain. When approval is granted a Security Officer will be assigned to the flight. The Ministry of National Defence levy a charge of US$10.00 per flying hour for this service.

Lao Westcoast Helicopters current Charter Rates are as follows:

Ad Hoc charter

AS350B2 US$ 1200 + 8% Gov. Royalty + 10% TCA Tax

Contract rates can be negotiated for long-term projects. Special helicopters types can be arranged on request.

If the helicopter is required to remain away from Vientiane overnight, the hirer is responsible for the accommodation, meals and transport of the flight crew.

Fuel costs are included in the charter rate. However, the cost of transporting drum fuel to remote sites will be recharged to the client at cost.

Flight charges are calculated from engine start to engine stop. There is no charge for waiting/standing time. Minimum utilisation for aircraft remaining overnight away from Vientiane is normally two hours per days

All accounts are to be paid in US dollars or Kip.

Flight charges are calculated from engine start to engine stop. There is no charge for waiting/standing time. Minimum utilisation for aircraft remaining away from Vientiane is normally two (2) hours per day.

All accounts are to be paid in US Dollars. Terms are strictly 30 days from date of invoice.
A deposit of 50% of the estimated charter cost may be required from new clients.