Direct connections with international flights may soon be possible from Monaco.
Between 70,000 and 100,000 passengers a year pass through Monaco's Heliport. Those on their way to catch international flights at Nice Cote d'Azur Airport may soon be able to complete all check-in formalities in the Principality.
Jacques Crovetto of Heli Air Monaco has been working towards the new service for some time. The project is in the process of being finalized by the authorities and should become operational before the end of the year. Travelers will be able complete their check-in at the Fontvieille Heliport, so that on arrival at Nice Airport, they'll be able to go directly to the departure lounge.
Crovetto's company opened the Monaco to Nice service in 1976, and today its helicopters complete the 6 minute journey more than 20 times a day. Heli Air Monaco makes an annual turnover of around 10 million euros on the service, representing around 80% of total sales. It employs 14 pilots, around 40 ground agents, 20 mechanics, and several administrators.
In order for the new registration service to be possible, some modernization of the check-in counters is necessary, but that will be timed to coincide with a renovation of the heliport.
Links:
[1] http://www.nicematin.com/article/monaco/la-continuite-aerienne-sera-une-realite-a-lautomne