The rise of air taxis in Istanbul

NARRATOR: Istanbul - golden city on the Bosphorus. Viewed from the air, the city is all about historic monuments and enchanting views. But Istanbul is also a vibrant financial center. Large companies value its position as the gateway between East and West. It's where multi-billion-pound enterprises operate - as long, that is, as their business partners aren't stuck in traffic somewhere. That's why wealthy businesspeople are coming to this man. Ali Göczoi works as a pilot. He switched to flying helicopters four years ago. The 42-year-old pilot can reach any corner of the city within minutes. The air taxi business is booming. Four years ago when his company started he had two competitors, today he has 10. An increasing number of businesspeople, such as Dutch management consultant Hank Kors, are making use of his services. An hour's flight costs 1,200 euros, not much in comparison to a business deal lost just because you were stuck in traffic.

HANK KORS: "If, for example, you have four meetings in Istanbul and you take the helicopter taxi, that means that you're able to make them."

NARRATOR: Air taxis aren't just quick and punctual, but also very convenient. They are allowed to land and take off from all over Istanbul.

ALI GÖCZOI: "Normally it would be very difficult to land on top a 30-storey building, but with my helicopter it's no problem. We are able to collect and drop off our customers wherever they want."

NARRATOR: Thanks to this megacity's major traffic headaches the air taxi business will surely attract more and more wealthy clients. Views over the Bosphorus are included in the price.