Brussels - Rotterdam was one of the first scheduled inter-city passenger helicopter services from September 1953. OO-SHD was with Sabena from January 1954 until April 1956 when it went to the French air force as 55558. Postcard, my copy stamped on 30 September 1955.

Another photo of Super Frelon 03 visiting Rotterdam, flown by a Sabena crew. Photo taken from the north, taking in the clock tower of the city hall. The bombing of the city in 1940 accounted for the Katshoek Heliport's central location. It closed later in 1965. Photo from: Stadsarchief Rotterdam

Photo probably taken on 19 April 1958 when this Flying Banana hired by Sabena exceptionally flew on the Rotterdam route. It was normally used around Brussels during Expo 58 which opened two days earlier. N74058 also flew a Amsterdam - Rotterdam trial service on behalf of Schreiner Aero Contractors in November 1958 but then it was no longer allowed to use this central heliport. Photo from: Stadsarchief Rotterdam

The S-58 replaced the S-55 on Sabena's helicopter services in 1956. OO-SHK is seen wearing the logo of World Expo 1958 which took place in Brussels. Photo from: Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

The Katshoek Heliport seen from atop the Shell building on Hofplein. Sabena's OO-SHM is in the house. Bottom left is Hofplein railway station with the Heliorama rooftop cafe. The railway runs underground today. The main street along the right side of the field is Pompenburg, with the tramway taking a right turn into Goudsesingel. Photo by: Herbert Behrens / Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

Sabena's first S-55 at the Rotterdam heliport. It was very centrally located in a city that had no airport at this time. Flying time to Brussels was just over an hour. Postcard.

Tested by Sabena on its passenger services from June 1960 until February 1961. Photo by: Nico Terlouw / Oud16hoven.nl

Dog let loose at the Rotterdam heliport, served by Sabena from 1953 until 1965. Photo by: Nico Terlouw / Oud16hoven.nl

Trial flight on behalf of Sabena. The sponson proclaims the 217.7 mph (350.4 km/h) world record speed attained by F-ZWWE, the modified first prototype of the Super Frelon. F-ZWWH was lost just three weeks later off St Tropez. The reported registration F-ZWMH seems to be wrong. Photo by: Jan Voets / Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

Operating for Sabena on the service to Brussels. The Katshoek Heliport in central Rotterdam was in operation from 1953 until 1965. Photo from: Stadsarchief Rotterdam