Starspeed, a Luxaviation Group helicopter VVIP management company with a vast range of international experience was chosen by Quark Expeditions Inc. for its remarkable aviation safety record, its efficient, professional, and seamless flying operations as well as its excellent reputation. Starspeed is an experienced operator with a global network and a leader in the field of maritime aviation services. Both partners are committed to the highest standards of health and safety. 

Maritime Aviation, led by Managing Director Jonathan Turner, have been involved with the project since October 2019 and oversaw the tender process for the helicopter operator selection.  Maritime Aviation continues to provide technical heliport consultancy to the project and will deliver heliport safety management and crew safety training for Ultramarine to ensure the ship provides a safe, compliant, and efficient operating environment for Starspeed. 

Starspeed will manage and operate two twin-engine aircraft and provide a crew of four pilots, two engineers as well as back-up crews.  Based onboard the ship, each helicopter will be operating from its own purpose-built shipboard heliport that will undertake a range of tasks in remote areas from guest transfers, sightseeing and adventure activities, ice and wildlife reconnaissance and medical evacuation.  

Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions, says: “We are looking forward to partnering up with one of the world’s largest and most experienced private aircraft operators. Having a global leader in commercial helicopter operations as a partner will not only further increase our guests’ outstanding travel experience on our game-changing vessel, Ultramarine, it will also provide them with optimized travel security”. 

Charlotte Pedersen, CEO of Luxaviation Helicopters, says: “The partnership with Quark Expeditions is a logical consequence of our global maritime helicopter experience. We are enthused to provide our helicopter management services to a company which has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for three decades”. 

From May 2021, Quark Expeditions will offer the ultimate guest experience in polar adventure to the Arctic and Antarctic regions on this technologically-advanced ship, which features an innovative mix of sustainability features that will exceed all industry standards.