Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Limited is a Jamaican Company based at Ian Fleming International Airport, Saint Mary. We primarily operate out of Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay Jamaica (MBJ). The company was formed in 2004 specifically to fill a need for a professional Helicopter Charter and Tour service in Jamaica. As such, Island Hoppers provides island wide transportation and tours to meet all our customers’ needs.
The company is owned and operated by Major (ret’d) Merrick “Maverick” Lloyd of Jamaican citizenship who has decades of experience in various regimes of flights with sound knowledge and experience in Visual and Instrument Flight Rules. He has proven to possess above average aircraft handling and maneuvering skills even under adverse weather conditions, in mountainous terrain and offshore. He holds both Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) and the United States of America Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot Licenses with Multi-Engine and Instrument Flight Rule Ratings and Privileges.
Captain John who started the company back in 2004 has been a helicopter pilot since 1970 and has flown professionally and commercially worldwide. He holds Jamaican, U.S.A., and New Zealand Commercial Helicopter Licenses and is also an F.A.A. certified Engine and Airframe Mechanic and holds an F.A.A. Inspection Authorization.