Travel Weekly reports that FINNS Beach Club on Bali’s southwest coast has acquired and launched what is being claimed to be “Bali’s first dedicated search and rescue helicopter with hoist capability.” Said to also mark a “major milestone in the island’s emergency response infrastructure,” as the helicopter operation “reinforces FINNS’ long-term commitment to community safety.’
If operated in keeping with its branding, the new helicopter will reportedly not be used for sightseeing flights or corporate travel, but will be dedicated exclusively to urgently needed search-and-rescue assistance for residents and visitors to the Island of Bali.
The helicopter was purchased by FINNS Beach Club to be operated by the Sayap Garuda Indah Group (SGI) from its helipad base at Benoa Harbor in South Bali.
The Sayap Garuda Indah Group has been in operation for 23 years and operates nationwide, providing support to the mining and petroleum industries; search and rescue operations; medical evacuation; waterbombing and fire patrol; equipment hoisting; aerial survey; and VIP tourism services.
The Travel Weekly Report said the new operation has been developed in “close collaboration” with Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency (BASARNAS) and Nusa Medica to provide medical assistance.
SGI currently operates an armada of helicopters, including BELL 412, BELL 212, and Bell 407 aircraft.
FINNS is operating a series of in-house fundraising initiatives to support what will be a high-cost helicopter operation, which is expected to be operated independently of SGI’s commercial helicopter operations.
At the centrer of this is a FINNS x SGI Special Fundraising Menu, available across the venue, with 100% of proceeds dedicated to their SAR helicopter project. The menu features purpose-led guest experiences and signature drinks, including:
- The S.O.S Delivery – a premium bottle delivery experience featuring a custom shadow box message and bottle service, turning each table into a symbolic helipad moment.
- The “What the Heli” Delivery – an elevated bottle service experience with enhanced production, designed to create high-impact moments while contributing directly to rescue funding.
- FINNS x SGI Signature Cocktail: The High-Flyer – created exclusively for the partnership, with proceeds supporting helicopter operations.
- FINNS x SGI Shooter: Lemon Drop – available as single shots or shared formats, offering guests an easy way to contribute.
All are available to FINNS’ large customer base with “100% of the proceeds directed to the new search and rescue operations.”
Again, the new helicopter service will purportedly be used exclusively for search and rescues and SOS response, kept separate from SGI’s commercial operations.
“Safety is fundamental to everything we do at FINNS,” said Beau Whittington, CEO & Hospitality Leader, FINNS Global (Bali). “Australians make up one of the largest visitor groups to Bali, and with that comes a responsibility to help ensure the island has a strong, reliable rescue capability. We are proud to be funding and supporting this helicopter and to be working alongside SGI and BASARNAS to help protect both the local community and the many Australians who choose Bali as their second home.”
“This partnership gives us greater capacity to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations,” said a spokesperson from SGI (Sayap Garuda Indah). The support from FINNS and the formal backing of BASARNAS directly strengthens our operational capability and allow us to save more lives.”
“BASARNAS fully supports this collaboration and the shared mission to strengthen search and rescue capability in Bali,” said a BASARNAS representative. “Partnerships between government agencies, community organizations, and responsible private sector leaders like FINNS play an important role in enhancing national emergency response outcomes.”
Through this initiative, FINNS, SGI, and BASARNAS aim to set a new benchmark for how hospitality brands, community organisations, and government can work together to deliver meaningful, real-world impact.
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