Flexjet has launched an in-house, integrated helicopter division in Europe, welcoming its first super-midsize Sikorsky S-76 helicopter to its European fleet.
The new service, initially focused on the UK, aims to redefine luxury point-to-point private travel in Europe, and follows a similar launch last year by the company in the USA, which offers helicopter operations in northeast USA and Florida.
Shared ownership provider Flexjet will offer helicopter programmes both as a standalone service and as an extension to its existing private jet Owners, with the new venture enhancing its Gulfstream G650 programme, which launched in Europe last September.
Jet Owners on the ultra-long-range jet programme will benefit from complementary helicopter transfers to and from their jet at airports in London or the US operating regions, providing a ‘last mile’ solution.
“No other private jet provider can offer access to an in-house helicopter fleet, which is yet another example of what makes our service stand out from our competitors,” said Marine Eugène, Flexjet European managing director. “Following the successful model already pioneered by Flexjet in the US, our new UK helicopter division defines us as the leader in combined fixed-wing operations and private urban mobility. We’re always striving to go that extra mile, and this unique offering certainly communicates Flexjet’s relentless commitment to giving the most comfortable, efficient and memorable experience possible, to the most discerning global travellers.”
The Sikorsky S-76 is a super-midsize helicopter. Every helicopter flight is operated by two certified, IFR qualified pilots. The Sikorsky S-76’s flight range of 300 nautical miles allows point-to-point connections both within London and the UK, and as far afield as the south of Scotland, Dublin or Paris.
Already offering its jet programmes across Europe and the Middle East, Flexjet intends to expand its fleet of Sikorsky S-76s and to extend helicopter operations to other regions in Europe in the coming years, as part of its global expansion plans.
Alongside the Sikorsky S-76, which will be targeted at regular helicopter programme fliers, Flexjet will offer on-demand helicopter charters on its operated and managed fleet of Agusta AW109 and AW169 helicopters. These were previously operated by Halo Aviation, the company acquired by Flexjet’s parent company in 2021. The subsequent integration has created a dedicated Flexjet helicopter team with significant operational expertise, and a roster of highly experienced helicopter pilots.
Each Flexjet Sikorsky S-76 seats up to eight passengers, and features a bespoke interior from Flexjet’s LXi Cabin Collection. Details include hand-stitched leather seats and plush metal and leather accents.
The Flexjet helicopter operation and Sikorsky S-76 will also feature at this year’s Royal Ascot, where Flexjet will host the event’s private heliport, as the official private aviation supplier.
As with its European jet programmes, every Flexjet helicopter flight will be inclusive of offsetting at 300% of carbon emissions, to recognise both CO2 and non-CO2 pollutants.
Working with the aviation sustainability consultancy 4AIR, Flexjet’s sustainability programme also allows aircraft owners to invest in actions to reduce emissions by 5%. This includes the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and investing in the non-profit Aviation Climate Fund, which supports research and development for future flight technologies.
These actions are included as a default in Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 programmes in Europe, which are specifically rated at 4AIR’s highest level, Level 4 (Platinum).
