News Summary
Huntington Beach will enhance the Pacific Airshow experience by offering helicopter rides for the first time this year, in collaboration with Code Four and Maverick Helicopters. Scheduled flights from Long Beach and John Wayne airports will provide a scenic travel option for attendees. Helicopter rides last approximately 10 minutes, with pricing set at $179 per one-way trip. Attendees can also receive a 25% discount on air show tickets when booking a helicopter flight. This initiative aims to showcase emerging transportation technologies and solidify the air show’s economic impact on the city.
Huntington Beach is set to enhance the experience of attendees at the upcoming Pacific Airshow with the introduction of a new helicopter transport service. This year marks the first time helicopter rides will be offered during the event, which runs from October 3-5, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the seaside city.
The service is a collaboration between Code Four, the air show’s operator, and Maverick Helicopters. Scheduled flights will depart every half hour from Long Beach and John Wayne airports, providing a seamless and scenic travel option to the event. Helicopters will land in a designated parking lot situated between Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
The helicopter rides, lasting approximately 10 minutes, will offer panoramic views of the coastline and the iconic Catalina Island. Each Airbus 130 helicopter can accommodate up to seven passengers, depending on weight. Tickets for the helicopter trips are priced at $179 for a one-way journey, with prices set to increase to $200 after September 22. Additionally, those who book a helicopter flight will receive a 25% discount on any air show ticket, incentivizing more attendees to take advantage of the new service.
This initiative aims to highlight urban air mobility vehicles and emerging transportation technologies, contributing to the air show’s reputation as an innovative event. The CEO of Code Four expressed a desire to enrich the air show experience by incorporating more aviation elements along the beach. Future enhancements to this service may include drone taxis as viable transportation options for attendees.
The Pacific Airshow has become an integral part of Huntington Beach, generating significant economic benefits for the city. The Huntington Beach City Council recently approved a 25-year contract to continue supporting the air show, following a contentious settlement regarding the cancellation of the 2021 event due to an oil spill. This settlement involved the city paying $4.9 million in addition to other benefits to the air show operator, underscoring the city council’s belief in the air show as a crucial economic driver.
Meanwhile, the California Coastal Commission has granted a five-year permit for the air show, with certain conditions to address potential environmental impacts and ensure public beach access. The air show is now positioned for a long-term presence in Huntington Beach, having secured exclusive rights for up to 25 years.
Despite the anticipated benefits, concerns have been raised by some residents and council members regarding the potential economic and environmental implications of the air show. As anticipation builds for this year’s event, the helicopter service aims to offer attendees a unique experience while showcasing advancements in aerial transportation.
In summary, the Pacific Airshow is set to expand its offerings with helicopter rides for the first time in its nine-year history, advancing an initiative to promote modern air mobility while continuing to attract large crowds to Huntington Beach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Archer Aviation Expands Operations in Orange County
Lifeguards Execute 350 Rescues in Newport Beach Due to Rip Currents
Shooting Incident Near Newport Beach Pier Leads to Arrests
Shooting Incident Near Newport Beach Pier Leads to Four Arrests
Memorial Day Celebrations Honor Fallen Heroes in Southern California
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Huntington Beach Air Show Adds Helicopter Transport
- LAist: Huntington Beach Airshow Coastal Commission Approves Permit
- LA Times: Huntington Beach Deal Locks Up Pacific Airshow
- LA Times: Mailbag – Coastal Commission and Pacific Airshow
- CBS 8: Local Pilot Talks About Upcoming Pacific Airshow
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- Google Search: Pacific Airshow
- Google Scholar: Huntington Beach Airshow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntington Beach
- Google News: Huntington Beach Pacific Airshow
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
