Shuttle service enables putters and punters to get to green

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Woodgate Aviation is teaming up with PDG Aviation Services to offer a daily helicopter shuttle service to The Open golf championship, which takes place at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland this July. Woodgate and PDG will jointly operate the service from Woodgate's private hangar at Belfast International airport.

Clients will be able to park at Woodgate's FBO facility and make use of its executive lounge before boarding their helicopter for the 30 minute ride to an assigned landing site at Royal Portrush or a nearby hotel.

With tens of thousands of golf enthusiasts expected to descend on Royal Portrush Golf Club, the flights are designed to save time and beat traffic congestion and disruption on major approach routes, while also being used as a bespoke VIP hotel transfer experience for those arriving by private jet to Belfast.

PDG will base its AS355 Twin Squirrel helicopter at Woodgate Aviation during the eight days of the tournament. Woodgate accountable manager David Shaw explains why the collaboration is a logical one: “By car, the 60-mile journey from Belfast to Portrush could take anything up to two hours or more, but the helicopter shuttle will get you there in thirty minutes. It's ideal for corporate clients or the private enthusiast who wants to travel in style and arrive refreshed to enjoy what we all hope will be a classic."

Operations and business development manager Keith McKay adds: “We have had a number of inquiries already with some positive leads which we believe will translate into firm bookings. We want The Open to showcase what is best about Northern Ireland, and companies like ours are going all out to make it a resounding international success.”

PDG, which is headquartered in Inverness with bases in Glasgow, Birmingham and Dublin, has a 40-year track record in UK aviation. Its aviation specialist Duncan McDonald comments: “Having our Twin Squirrel helicopter at Woodgate is a realistic solution for players, sponsors, the corporate or travel industry or private individuals who want an alternative to travelling by car. We will operate a bespoke helicopter transfer service for customers flying in by private jet who want to get to their hotel or directly to Royal Portrush. We will have two shuttles on the morning of each day and then two return trips in the afternoon.”