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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.
