Air-taxi service to launch this summer in Jackson Hole

JACKSON, Wyo. — A new transportation initiative is coming to Jackson Hole this summer, aimed at combating congestion and providing a shuttle service from the Jackson Hole Airport.

Funded by the Teton Tourism Board (TTB), Elevated Air, an Uber-like helicopter service, will begin offering rides to qualified users beginning June 1.

According to a press release issued by Elevated Air, the company plans to unveil a fleet of helicopters operating out of the Jackson Hole Airport. The helis will offer on-demand ride shares for users with drop-off points in Jackson, Wilson and Teton Village.

“We are so excited to help bring this service to visitors and locals alike,” Soren Cruz, Executive Director of the TTB, said. “For too long there has been no public transportation from the Jackson Hole Airport, and this new program does a great job at solving the longstanding problem.”

Users will be able to schedule a ride to and from the airport to one of three landing zones—at the top of the parking garage on Millward Street, at the Stilson Transit Center in Wilson and at the village landing zone near the Ranch Lot.

The parking garage on Millward Street will serve as one of three drop-off points. Photos: Courtesy of Elevated Air

In addition to airport shuttles, trips to and from each landing zone will also be available in an attempt to curb congestion for commuters. On weekdays, one helicopter will be stationed at Stilson, flying to and from the parking garage from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Return flights will be available 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Flights are expected to last 4 to 6 minutes depending on the route, starting at $307 per passenger per trip. Season passes will also be available for purchase. Up to four passengers can fit in each helicopter.

Reservations can be made ahead of time, through the app High Flyers which will launch May 28.

“Launching our services in Jackson Hole is a no-brainer for us,” Elevated Air Founder and CEO Otto Giro said. “We realize that the need for reliable transportation between the airport is at an all-time high, but with 10 helicopters ready to go, we think expanding to the commuter sector will serve local customers as well.”

The TTB is providing $20 million in funding to support the new program. Elevated Air is a for-profit company based in New York City, valued at $100 million. According to their website, “Elevated Air is the on-demand heli service for elevated mountain communities.” The company has plans to expand to Aspen, Vail, Big Sky and Tahoe in 2024.

Giro said he hopes to also add a Teton Pass route, from Stilson to the Victor Transit Center, an after-school service and eventually grocery delivery.

“My dream is to see fewer cars on the road and more helicopters in the sky, curbing congestion and returning Jackson Hole to the quiet town I remember visiting in 1992,” Giro said.

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