Uber Technologies Inc have chosen Bangkok, known for its chaotic traffic, as the first city in Southeast Asia to introduce a one-day free trial for its helicopter service, after launching it in key global metro cities, including Bangalore.
Chan Park, Uber's regional general manager for Southeast Asia, said Bangkok is one of the worst cities in the world for traffic congestion.
"This provides high potential for alternative transport platforms," Bangkok Post quoted him as saying on Thursday.
Thailand is among its three fastest-growing markets for its taxi app service in Southeast Asia, it said.
Uber Technologies Inc, the smartphone-based cab service company will offer free helicopter rides on demand to Bangkok customers on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
If the request is accepted, the lucky rider and a friend will be picked up in a Mercedes-Benz car to board a helicopter that will give them an exclusive tour of Bangkok.
The number of Uber's mobile app downloads is expected to increase as a result of the helicopter campaign, Park said.
"One of Uber's goals everywhere is changing the way our riders and driver partners connect to their city, and we are excited to be bringing UberCopter for the first time to Thailand.
{{/usCountry}}"One of Uber's goals everywhere is changing the way our riders and driver partners connect to their city, and we are excited to be bringing UberCopter for the first time to Thailand.
{{/usCountry}}"We hope it gives Bangkok a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the city from a totally new perspective," he said.
UberCopter, or UberChopper as it is known in many markets, was launched as a trial service from New York to the Hamptons in 2013.
It has since been offered on a trial basis in other cities around the world including Bangalore, Cape Town, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai.