‘Get to the uberCHOPPER!’: Uber celebrates first Cape Town anniversary with on-demand helicopter rides

Uber, next to angel investors and pop-tarts, is possibly one of the best innovations of the modern age. This on-demand cab service operates across the world, and is especially useful in road-congested South Africa. And to celebrate its one-year anniversary of operating in Cape Town, Uber’s “taking off” with the uberCHOPPER as of 10 October 2014. It couldn’t be easier to call a helicopter: simply log into the Uber app, toggle the uberCHOPPER option, select a pickup point and an Uber limousine (price separate to helicopter ride) will pick you up, for delivery at the V&A Waterfront, the location of the helicopter.

Take Off with #uberCHOPPER! Now available in Cape Town http://t.co/NknaJdFVd6 pic.twitter.com/VUqnaOvYHN

— Uber Cape Town (@uber_CT) October 10, 2014

This isn’t an ad-hoc helicopter ride though, and there’s three prescribed routes the user can take — here’s the breakdown with pricing.

1. TWO OCEANS:

Take a scenic flight along the Atlantic Coast over to False Bay, passing Fish Hoek to Muizenberg
R1800 per person (minimum two people per flight)

2. FULL PENINSULA:

Cruise along the coast of the Cape Peninsula; from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope
R3500 per person (minimum two people per flight)

3. SPECIALISED TOURS:

Customise your trip to any helipad in Cape Town and the surrounds: winelands tour, shark-cage diving…with uberCHOPPER the sky is quite literally the limit!
Prices vary based on trip: Cape Town helicopters will assist you with this

The first “celebrities” to ride the uberCHOPPER tweeted their happiness:

.@Jeannieous and @iamSivN snagged the first #uberCHOPPER ride. Now it is your turn! #uberCHOPPERLOVE pic.twitter.com/rnNSJAFVj8

— Uber Cape Town (@uber_CT) October 10, 2014

Those keen on a possible free ride can use the #uberCHOPPERLOVE hashtag when tweeting. UberCHOPPER operates from Monday till Sunday, 9-5, from Friday 10 October 2014 until 31 March 2015.