Atacama Copter

Atacama Copter is a helicopter company based in Copiapó, in the Atacama Region of northern Chile. It operates from its own helipad, SHHO, located in the Holvoet Industrial Park. The helipad has approval for 24-hour operation granted by the Chilean civil aviation authority (DGAC), and the company also maintains its own hangar and maintenance center. It has been operating for over 15 years and is part of Grupo Holvoet.

The company uses the Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter, a model capable of carrying up to five passengers plus a pilot, with external load capacity up to 1,400 kg. This aircraft is suited to high mountain operations, enabling flights up to 5,000 meters altitude. The fleet and experienced pilots support operations in demanding environments such as deserts, mountains, and remote mining areas.

Atacama Copter serves several sectors including mining, telecommunications, emergency medical services, executive transport, cargo transport, tourism, and aerial sports. In mining, it offers support for exploration, geological and geophysical studies, reconnaissance, and topography. For telecommunications, it carries out installation of towers and antennas in difficult access points. Cargo services include external load hook operations with cargo nets and concrete containers.

The aeromedical service includes patient transports, search and rescue, and emergency evacuations with specialized medical staff on board. Executive transfers are available for traveling to remote or hard-to-reach places within Chile. Tourism and passenger transport services offer flights to scenic and isolated locations with panoramic views. The company also provides helicopter services for skydiving events, with a team recognized for participating in a Guinness World Record for the highest altitude landing in skydiving.

Atacama Copter holds the BARS (Basic Aviation Risk Standard) certification and operates under DGAC regulations. Its customer base includes well-known mining companies such as Lundin Mining, Kinross Chile, and CODELCO, as well as major telecommunications companies like WOM and Entel. The company operates flights mainly in the Atacama Region covering locations including Copiapó, Caldera, Chañaral, Diego de Almagro, Vallenar, and various high mountain mining sites.

Customers can request custom quotes through a detailed but straightforward process that covers service type, origin and destination, and specific requirements. The company emphasizes safety with zero accident records and features in-house mechanics and a 24/7 operational helipad. Their services are adapted to client inductions and safety protocols prevailing in mining and industrial operations.

Atacama Copter also rents its helipad and hangar facilities to other operators. The company focuses on providing support for aerial work related to industry, emergencies, infrastructure, tourism, and specialized activities in the challenging environment of northern Chile.

Services

• Mining support
• Telecommunications installation
• External and special cargo
• Executive transport
• Aeromedical service
• Passenger transport
• Tourism flights
• Sports skydiving
• Helipad and hangar rental