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Updated November 2026 · By Daniel Wilkin · Data: Flapper, quotes on the Flapper platform and AS350 B2 specifications.
Short answer: starting November 10, 2026, Belo Horizonte has its first AS350 B2 helicopter certified for air taxi service, known in Brazil as the Esquilo. It seats 5 passengers, is based at Pampulha airport and is available through Flapper from R$ 10,000 (about US$ 1,820) per flight hour. On the Flapper platform, an AS350 B2 flies Pampulha to Ouro Preto in 24 to 27 minutes.
What the Esquilo changes in Belo Horizonte
Until now, helicopters based at Pampulha airport were smaller models such as the Robinson R44 (3 passengers) and the R66 (4 passengers). An AS350 had to fly in from another city, and that positioning flight ended up on the bill.
With an AS350 based at Pampulha, 5 passengers fit in a single-engine turbine helicopter without paying for a ferry flight from São Paulo or Rio. Service starts on November 10, 2026, with rates from R$ 10,000 (about US$ 1,820) per flight hour.
What is the AS350 (Esquilo) helicopter
The AS350 B2, called the Esquilo in Brazil and the Ecureuil in Europe, is a single-engine turbine helicopter with a roomy cabin and large windows. It lands on rooftop, hotel and farm helipads.
| AS350 B2 (Esquilo) | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 Safran Arriel 1D1 turbine (712 shp) |
| Cruise speed | 134 mph / 215 km/h (about 116 knots) |
| Range | 391 miles / 630 km |
| Max takeoff weight | 4,960 lb / 2,250 kg |
| Seats on the Belo Horizonte AS350 | 5 passengers |
Helicopter options from Belo Horizonte:
- AS350 B2 (Esquilo): 5 passengers, from R$ 10,000 (about US$ 1,820) per flight hour, starting 11/10/2026.
- Robinson R66: 4 passengers, turbine.
- Robinson R44 Raven II: 3 passengers, piston engine.
How to charter the AS350 in Belo Horizonte
- Open a quote on the Flapper website or app and pick your departure: Pampulha airport (SBBH) or, if you land on an airline flight, Confins (SBCF). The Belo Horizonte air taxi page lists every point we serve.
- Pick your destination: a helipad, airfield or registered farm. The platform shows available models, total price and flight time.
- Confirm the flight. The price includes the helicopter’s positioning to your departure point and its return to base.
For jet or turboprop flights out of Belo Horizonte, our Belo Horizonte charter guide covers the options.
Helicopter routes from Belo Horizonte
The map shows the airports and helipads Flapper serves in the region and the five routes in this guide.
| Route | AS350 B2: estimated time | Robinson R44 (3 pax) | Robinson R66 (4 pax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pampulha → Inhotim | 17 to 20 min | US$ 1,440 · 20 min | US$ 1,600 · 19 min |
| Confins → Nova Lima | 19 to 21 min | US$ 1,440 · 22 min | US$ 1,600 · 20 min |
| Pampulha → Capitólio | 1 h 13 min to 1 h 27 min | US$ 3,910 · 1 h 28 min | US$ 4,090 · 1 h 22 min |
| Pampulha → Ouro Preto | 24 to 27 min | US$ 1,330 · 28 min | US$ 1,500 · 26 min |
| Pampulha → Três Marias | 1 h 11 min to 1 h 24 min | US$ 3,780 · 1 h 25 min | US$ 3,940 · 1 h 19 min |
On the short legs (Inhotim, Nova Lima and Ouro Preto), flights take 17 to 27 minutes and an R44 costs under US$ 1,450. The AS350 makes sense once your group is larger than 4 or when luggage and comfort matter. For Capitólio and Três Marias, which take over an hour by helicopter, the same quote returned a Diamond DA-62 twin-engine plane for US$ 3,170 and US$ 3,090, in 44 and 42 minutes.
Pampulha → Inhotim (Brumadinho)
Inhotim describes itself as a contemporary art museum and botanical garden in Brumadinho (Inhotim Institute). The SI0M helipad is on site. By AS350, the leg takes 17 to 20 minutes.
Confins → Nova Lima
If you land at Confins with a meeting in Nova Lima or Vila da Serra, you can fly straight to the SW1Z helipad. The leg takes 19 to 21 minutes by AS350.
Pampulha → Capitólio
The Furnas lake canyons are Capitólio’s postcard. Escarpas do Lago airfield (SNDU) takes both helicopters and planes. By AS350, the leg takes 1 h 13 min to 1 h 27 min.
Pampulha → Ouro Preto
In 1980, Ouro Preto became Brazil’s first cultural property on the UNESCO World Heritage List (UNESCO). The Vila do Carvalho helipad (SSVQ) is 24 to 27 minutes from Pampulha by AS350.
Pampulha → Três Marias
Três Marias regional airport (SNAS) sits by the São Francisco river reservoir, known for fishing. By AS350, it takes 1 h 11 min to 1 h 24 min. On this leg, compare with the plane in the same quote.
When to choose the AS350
- Groups of 4 or 5: the R44 seats 3 passengers and the R66 seats 4.
- Flights with luggage or when cabin comfort matters.
- Short legs to places without a runway, such as Inhotim, Nova Lima and Ouro Preto.
- For routes longer than an hour, compare with a plane. Our turboprop vs jet guide helps you decide.
Is it safe to fly by helicopter in Belo Horizonte?
The Belo Horizonte AS350 is certified for air taxi service, the category licensed to sell flights to passengers in Brazil. Flapper was the first company in Latin America with ARGUS certification and the first in Brazil with Wyvern certification, both of which audit operator safety standards. For the country’s most dramatic landings, see the highest helipads in Brazil.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter the AS350 in Belo Horizonte?
The Belo Horizonte AS350 starts at R$ 10,000 (about US$ 1,820) per flight hour. The final price depends on route, date and waiting time and shows up in your Flapper quote.
How many passengers fit in the AS350?
The AS350 based in Belo Horizonte seats 5 passengers.
Where does the helicopter depart from?
It is based at Pampulha airport (SBBH). It can also pick you up at Confins airport or at registered helipads.
When can I book it?
Service starts on November 10, 2026.
How long is the helicopter flight from Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto?
An AS350 B2 flies from Pampulha to Ouro Preto in 24 to 27 minutes, according to the Flapper platform.
Can I fly to Ibitipoca?
Yes, Flapper serves the region. See how to get to Ibitipoca by private plane.
Sources
- Helis.com: Eurocopter AS350B2
- Inhotim Institute: about Inhotim
- UNESCO: Historic Town of Ouro Preto
- Quotes on the Flapper platform (flight-quote)
- PTAX exchange rate of 11/6/2026 published by Banco Central do Brasil: US$ 1 = R$ 5.5013
- Belo Horizonte AS350 data: Flapper, November 2026