In today’s world, proper time management is a competitive advantage. Often, it’s more valuable than money itself. This is especially true for people whose work involves quick decision-making and business meetings across the country — where even the slightest delay can cause losses, and convenience and speed are no longer luxuries but essential tools for effective work.

Targeting these individuals, in June, Yandex Armenia launched a new premium service, Ultima, through the Yandex Go app. It allows users to book helicopter flights with just a few clicks — whether for custom, tourist, or pre-set routes.

Banks.am tested one of Ultima’s routes and learned more about the flight conditions and how to book a helicopter.

Time is the most important resource

The helicopter engine is running. We’re strapped in with our headphones on. Pilot Khachatur Margaryan welcomes everyone and wishes us a nice flight. He works for Armenian Helicopters, a company that partners with Yandex Go’s Ultima premium service.

“In Armenia, a helicopter is almost the perfect means of transportation,” says the pilot.

In mountainous countries, roads often have many curves, complicating travel and consuming time. Besides, every road ends somewhere — but the sky is limitless.

“Imagine you’re a businessperson with an important meeting in one of the most remote areas from Yerevan, for example, in Meghri. We can get you there in just 1 hour and 10 minutes. The time may vary slightly depending on the weather. By car, you wouldn’t even reach Yeghegnadzor in that time — and if you leave during rush hour, you might be stuck in traffic in Yerevan,” smiles Khachatur Margaryan.

Although a helicopter ride isn’t cheap, for many people, time is much more valuable than money. A helicopter also allows you to arrive at your meeting refreshed and energized — and enjoy Armenia’s stunning landscapes from a bird’s-eye view along the way.

“The helicopter has arrived”

With the launch of Ultima service, ordering a helicopter through the Yandex Go app has become as easy as ordering a car. Two helicopter flight tariffs are available: Copter and Sky Tour. 

In the first case, the flight is carried out on a custom route, taking you from a designated point A to point B within Armenia. And the Sky Tour tariff offers fixed tourist routes to Garni Gorge, Azat Reservoir, Dilijan, Sevan and other destinations. 

Pricing under the Copter tariff is calculated based on the flight duration, while the Sky Tour tariff has a fixed-rate pricing. Helicopters must be booked at least 2 hours prior to departure and no later than one month in advance. Payments are made beforehand using a bank card linked to the Yandex Go app. After booking the flight, passengers will be contacted to confirm that the helicopter has arrived. 

Ultima flights are conducted during the daylight hours and in good weather conditions. Before takeoff, passengers must undergo a mandatory safety briefing, document check, and weigh-in. Each flight can accommodate up to five passengers, and the total onboard weight, including luggage, should not exceed 410 kg.

Children of all ages are welcome on the flights, since child seats are available onboard the helicopters. Passengers can also take their pets onboard, but only in pet carriers.

Dilijan in autumn and the stunning views of Syunik in winter

“A helicopter is also a great option for tourists who want to spend more time exploring Armenia’s beautiful corners rather than traveling on the road,” says pilot Khachatur Margaryan, pointing out the Azat Reservoir below.

“In a moment, you’ll see the Symphony of Stones and Garni Temple on the left, and on the right is Mount Yeranos, which looks like a camel’s hump.”

Margaryan explains that the pilots are also trained as tour guides. They’re knowledgeable about the natural and cultural attractions at each destination and can answer passengers’ questions in several languages.

The Ultima Yandex Go's Sky Tour can be a wonderful gift for loved ones, relatives, or foreign guests — offering a whole new perspective on Armenia.

“Each route is incredibly beautiful. I’ll share a secret with you: even after flying the same route dozens of times, there’s always something new to see. 

And the same destination offers new charms with the changing seasons. For example, Dilijan is breathtaking in autumn, while Syunik offers stunning views in winter.”

Safety comes first

Pilot Margaryan assures us that helicopters in general — and those operated for the Ultima Yandex Go service in particular — are very safe.

“Helicopters undergo regular maintenance, and all pilots are professionals who train constantly. We use flight simulators and prepare for emergency situations. Safety really does come first.”

He reminds us that the risk of road transport accidents is ten times higher than for air travel.

Meanwhile, the helicopter begins its smooth descent. Mount Ararat lies ahead — but unfortunately, it’s not clearly visible today.

“You can’t control the weather,” we joke, hoping others will be “luckier” — and that Ararat and the rest of Armenia’s majestic views will reveal themselves in all their grandeur.

Yana Shakhramanyan

Photos by Agape Grigoryan