Charlie Bravo Charter set for F1 airlifts

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Circuit of The Americas has selected Charlie Bravo Charter as the venue’s official helicopter shuttle and private charter broker, it was announced Wednesday.

Charlie Bravo Charter is a female-owned-and-operated charter brokerage company based in Pflugerville that helps its customers find the most appropriate aircraft at the best value for charters needed worldwide.

Guests may use Charlie Bravo’s services for transportation to and from the venue during the 2012 Formula One U.S. Grand Prix, which takes place in November.

Additionally, Texas-based Henry Aviation will manage the on-site helistop operations at the new track being constructed east of Austin.

“Charlie Bravo Charter is a local Austin business that has quickly established itself as a leader in its industry,” said Circuit president Steve Sexton, “and Henry Aviation has the experience necessary to help us manage the high number of helicopter landings we’re expecting during premier motorsports events, such as the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. We look forward to working with both companies to enhance the Formula 1™ experience and other events we bring to Circuit of The Americas.”

CoTA will have six helistops on site for public landings. Helicopter shuttles and private charters are a common alternative mode of transportation to and from F1 races worldwide, according to Sexton.

“We are thrilled to be the official partner for helicopter shuttle and private charters to Circuit of The Americas,” said Charlie Bravo Charter CEO Rene Banglesdorf. “The inaugural Formula 1 event will bring a unique, international demographic to the area, one that we have been working with for years. We look forward to contributing to the first race and making it a great experience for everyone involved.”

The company provides access to the world of charter through a proprietary database of more than 12,000 aircraft from 3,000-plus operators worldwide. Charlie Bravo Charter’s online flight management portal allows clients to enter trip requests, securely manage passenger manifests themselves and make ground transportation and catering requests directly to their itinerary, according to Banglesdorf .

Henry Aviation is a heliport and helicopter services company with years of experience working with major motorsports venues, event operations groups, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. Their work with NASCAR heliports has allowed them to gain valuable experience with the high activity levels associated with motorsports events.

Parties interested in booking helicopter charter and landings for the races set for Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 at Circuit of The Americas should contact Charlie Bravo Charter at charter@wepushtin.com or call 512-298-4002.

Helicopter shuttle also can be booked online at charliebravocharter.com/cota.