Sao Paulo – the Helicopter Capital of the World?

While telecommuting one afternoon from the 23^rd floor of the Sao Paulo, Brazil Renaissance Hotel waiting for a client meeting, I noticed a trend.  Every few hours the rumble of an engine disturbed my tranquil surroundings and as a helicopter roared overhead then landed two stories above me on the roof of the hotel.  “Flight for Life?” --  I naively thought at first.  But what I soon learned was much more intriguing. Sao Paolo, Brazil, the 7^th largest city on the planet that is home to over 19 million -- is in fact also the helicopter capital of the world, boasting over 450 personal helicopters as of mid-2009 – a number that (depending on the source) tops even those in New York and Tokyo.

 

The trend to buy a helicopter, hire a pilot, or in some cases even become a pilot --  and use it as your daily commuter -- is the mark of the rich and time-strapped in this bustling, traffic-choked city where a simple 5-mile trek by car across town can easily set you back two hours during rush hour.  With epic traffic jams that can span 130 miles of mind-numbing stop and go traffic, the city is a reported urban planning nightmare.  So until we can each have our own personal jet pack, the helicopter has become the transportation mode of choice for those with the funds to support it.   

Want to see what it may look like flying high above this quickly transforming city?  Check out this Youtube video that while I didn’t take it, seemed to embrace the city’s spirits well. 

 

Brazil Stats At a glance

6 million Cars in Sao Paulo

20 million residents of Sao Paulo

70,000 – estimated number of helicopter flights within central Sao Paulo each year

820 - Helicopter pilots work in Sao Paulo with six figure annual earning potential.

Between 300 - 420 Helipads in Sao Paulo (depending on the source)
210 of which are elevated - 75% of Brazil's total and 50% more than the whole UK