US Helicopter

Continental Airlines has partnered with US Helicopter, which is expanding its service for the second time in its first year of operation, to offer shuttle service between Manhattan and the airline's Newark hub beginning Dec. 18.

The helicopter shuttle ride will take eight minutes and will cost $159 one-way, plus security fees. US Helicopter customers traveling on Continental flights will be able to check in and receive boarding passes for US Helicopter and Continental as well as complete security screening at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at Wall Street.

Bags checked at the heliport will be checked through to the passenger's final travel destination. At Newark Liberty Airport, customers will arrive at a dedicated US Helicopter parking location on the secure side of Terminal C, where they will then be able to proceed directly to the departure gate for their Continental flight. "This is a premium service for premium flyers wanting to save valuable time," said Mark Erwin, Continental's senior vice president Asia/Pacific and corporate development.

US Helicopter, which launched service in February, already partners with American on its service from Manhattan to New York's Kennedy Airport. In June it began service from the airport in Bridgeport, Conn., to Manhattan and, via Manhattan to Kennedy. This past November, it acquired another $4.5 million in financing, which it plans to use for marketing and working capital.

US Helicopter has said it expects to add service from a second New York location, the East 34th Street Heliport, shortly after Jan. 1. It currently operates from only the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at the foot of the East River and Wall Street, and opening the second location has been contingent on working out security arrangements. US Helicopter said it believes adding the second location will lead to more interline and partnership agreements with major carriers serving Newark, Kennedy and LaGuardia airports in the New York area.