Over forty years ago, helicopter travel over New York City was promoted by Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) as a luxurious experience. The airline offered low fares and complimentary tickets for First Class and Clipper Class customers. Despite its appeal, the service faced challenges including bureaucratic hurdles, safety concerns, and noise complaints.
The service operated from the Metlife building, previously known as the Pan Am building, with a helipad on its rooftop. In the early 1960s, Pan Am proposed a heliport service connecting Manhattan to New York’s airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. Permission was required from several agencies before operations could begin.
New York Airways began in 1949 as a mail and cargo carrier but transitioned to passenger services in 1953. It became the first scheduled helicopter service for passengers using Sikorsky S-55 and S-58 helicopters along with Boeing Vertol V-44s. By 1962, flights utilized Boeing Vertol 107-11 Turbocopters and later Sikorsky S-61 helicopters.
Pan Am leased two Boeing Vertol 107 helicopters to New York Airways for shuttle services starting December 21, 1965. The fast elevator at the Pan Am building allowed passengers to enjoy a drink in the ‘Copter Lounge’ before heading to the airport. These “Whirlybird” trips were marketed for sightseeing past landmarks like the Empire State Building.
The helicopter air taxi service ran between 08:30 and 21:30 on weekdays with numerous daily flights between Manhattan and JFK International Airport among other destinations. However, issues arose due to noise disturbances and safety concerns leading to protests.
On October 14, 1963, New York Airways Flight 600 crashed due to mechanical failure caused by contaminated fuel killing all onboard. A more tragic accident occurred on May 16th, 1977 when an inbound helicopter’s landing gear failed causing fatalities both on the helipad and ground below.
Attempts to revive similar services continued into the early ’80s but were ultimately thwarted by rising costs and safety incidents.
