Service Provider Is Facing Eviction At Van Nuys Airport In Dispute With Former Partner

They say that a business breakup can be like a divorce, and in this instance, it could be the kids who suffer most.

Two companies based at Van Nuys airport in California are fighting over the rights to medical helicopter transport business, and the disagreement could mean delays or even cancellations of flights to transport severely injured or ill children and organs designated for transplants.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Helinet, which provides services to several area hospitals, is in a battle which dates back to 2005. At that time, the company purchased a lease at the airport through a newly-formed company called Basenet. In 2006, Pentastar Aviation bought a controlling interest in Basenet, but Helinet remained as a tenant and kept a percentage of the company.

When a planned land development project didn't materialize, Helinet decided to sell its shares in Basenet back to Pentastar. This march, Pentastar told Helinet it would have to remove its aircraft from ramps where they are deployed on standby to rapidly provide medical services. Helinet didn't do that, and they have been threatened with legal action and eviction by Pentastar through Basenet.

Helistar says keeping the aircraft in hangars is not reasonable, given that the minutes needed to bring them out and prep them for flight could literally mean the difference between life and death for patients. Helinet President Alan Purwin said he's filed a lawsuit against Pentastar and Basenet to stop the eviction, and is looking for someplace else to base his operation ... but says his choices for a home for 50 people and 15 helicopters are few.

FMI: www.helinet.com