It WOULD be foolish to pretend that helicopters do not have their competitors but some may be surprised to know that in recent years one of the main competitors to the executive passenger carrying helicopter in this country has not been another aircraft but the excellent inter-city service operated by British Rail.

It would equally be misleading to pretend that there are not occasions when enquiries are received to charter a helicopter but because of the particular circumstances, including perhaps the stage length of the journey, they have to be frankly and honestly advised that it would be better to travel by scheduled air service.

This, however, has applied to the past. We are now at a stage when a whole new breed of helicopter is becoming increasingly available with improved performance, they are faster, are equipped for day and night and all weather operation and hopefully as the result of this very symposium, will be provided with the facilities to enable them to land in or close to the centre of cities and towns throughout the UK.