Gerald Michaluk has high hopes of helicopter outfit

Entrepreneur Gerald Michaluk has acquired a 40 per cent stake in Aberdeen-based HJS Helicopters and will target the VIP travel market as part of a push to expand the business.

HJS is a charter, training and maintenance firm with four helicopters operating from the Culter Heliport. It has a seven-seater used for VIP travel and Michaluk has an eye on the Donald Trump championship golf course opening in Aberdeenshire which will attract more well-heeled visitors.

He also sees scope for more heavy lift operations and for expanding HJS out of its core market into Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The company leases extra helicopters as it requires them and Michaluk is in talks with the management over future demand.

Michaluk, right, who declined to disclose how much he paid for his stake, said: "This is no hobby investment; this is one of the most professional outfits in the business with an impressive track record and a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals lead by Sydney Simpson who has greatly impressed me.

"HJS has major potential and Sydney and I see eye to eye on where the company needs to be over the next five years and we will be focused on achieving these goals".

Simpson, the firm's managing director, said " We are very pleased to have Gerald's investment and this will help our business grow. I am looking forward to working with him as a fellow director."

Michaluk, who was taught to fly by the RAF's University Air Squadron while a student at Heriot Watt University, has had a long interest in aviation and holds both an airplane and helicopter pilot's licence. His other investments includes the Isle of Arran Brewery.