PRESS RELEASE: Ecocopter by Helisul deploys helicopter fleet to protect Chilean vineyards from frost
Ecocopter by Helisul Press Release
As temperatures drop and the threat of frost looms over Chilean countryside, Ecocopter by Helisul activates its advanced frost control service, a technological and efficient solution designed to protect the country’s most valuable crops.
Using state-of-the-art helicopters, the company safeguards the integrity of harvests, especially in the prestigious wine industry.
Frost is a silent and devastating enemy for agriculture. A single night with sub-zero temperatures can mean irreparable losses, jeopardizing an entire year’s production.
Ecocopter by Helisul offers a fast and efficient response to this challenge. The technique involves flying low over affected fields, where the helicopter blades act as a giant protective shield.
This movement generates an air current that mixes the layer of cold air settled over the crops with a layer of warmer air located higher up, raising the temperature just enough to save the delicate buds and flowers.
“More than just a service, we are a strategic ally for winegrowers. With our helicopters, we don’t just protect crops; we safeguard investments, jobs, and the prestige of Chilean wine around the world,” said Francisco Arriagada, commercial manager of Ecocopter by Helisul.
Unlike traditional methods such as sprinkler irrigation—which consume large amounts of water, an increasingly scarce resource—or fixed fans, the use of helicopters offers incomparable advantages.
“Our technology allows us to invert the air layers, using the natural heat generated by the thermal inversion and the heat generated by the turbines to create a safe microclimate over the plantations. It’s a demonstration of how our aircraft can protect our land and its crops,” emphasized Arriagada.
The aircraft’s versatility allows for controlled and precise application, ensuring protection where it matters most. In fact, a single helicopter can cover a field in one night, quickly adapting to the areas most in need. Furthermore, it is a water-free operation, aligning with the challenges of water scarcity and industry sustainability.
Although winter brings many frosts, the greatest risk occurs in spring, when fruit trees and vineyards are in full bloom. A frost at this critical stage can wipe out the flowers, resulting in a drastic drop in future production.
Therefore, leading Chilean wineries, which exported a total of US$1.62 billion in wine in 2024, rely on the expertise of Ecocopter by Helisul to ensure the continuity of their world-class harvests.
The fleet assigned to these operations in the Valparaíso and Metropolitan regions includes the Airbus H145 and H125 B3 models, renowned for their reliability and performance.
“Safety is our top priority. Each operation is carried out by expert crews and under strict protocols that include proper field lighting and constant monitoring of conditions, ensuring our clients’ peace of mind and the success of their production,” Arriagada concluded.
From Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the grape varieties that give life to Chile’s most award-winning wines are watched from the skies.
Ecocopter by Helisul’s propellers have become key players, ensuring that each vine can deliver its finest musts and that toasting a Chilean wine remains synonymous with excellence around the world.