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Entrepreneur Sees Opportunity in Gridlock
By Michael P. Bruno
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Friday, October 18, 2002; 12:00 AM
At least one local businessman is looking to capitalize on gridlock. Steve Walker, a multimillionaire financier, has said he will launch his much-anticipated helicopter airline in spring.
In an interview, Walker, president of venture capital firm Steve Walker and Associates, declined to discuss details. But the Web site for his helicopter company, America Rising (www.capitolrising.com), gives more information.
Assuming "appropriate government approvals," a helicopter "fleet" will fly scheduled corporate shuttle service between downtown Washington and downtown New York, offering a dozen round trips per day in each direction from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Web site. The helicopters would accommodate 12, 18 or 30 passengers.
"We're setting up the first helicopter airline. This is going to work, this is going to be a big thing," Walker said.
Walker has been trying for at least two years to create a network of so-called "helistops" between Baltimore and Richmond, including one in Tysons Corner where he has met resistance from local residents concerned with noise pollution.
Walker's helicopter service would be targeted at high-worth executives -- the "time is money" crowd.
By Michael P. Bruno
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Friday, October 18, 2002; 12:00 AM
At least one local businessman is looking to capitalize on gridlock. Steve Walker, a multimillionaire financier, has said he will launch his much-anticipated helicopter airline in spring.
In an interview, Walker, president of venture capital firm Steve Walker and Associates, declined to discuss details. But the Web site for his helicopter company, America Rising (www.capitolrising.com), gives more information.
Assuming "appropriate government approvals," a helicopter "fleet" will fly scheduled corporate shuttle service between downtown Washington and downtown New York, offering a dozen round trips per day in each direction from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Web site. The helicopters would accommodate 12, 18 or 30 passengers.
"We're setting up the first helicopter airline. This is going to work, this is going to be a big thing," Walker said.
Walker has been trying for at least two years to create a network of so-called "helistops" between Baltimore and Richmond, including one in Tysons Corner where he has met resistance from local residents concerned with noise pollution.
Walker's helicopter service would be targeted at high-worth executives -- the "time is money" crowd.