Flexjet rebrands UK helicopters; plans European rotor expansion

Flexjet is rebranding and integrating its London-based helicopter division with the arrival of its first Sikorsky S-76.

By Doug Gollan, March 23, 2023

Flexjet is rebranding and integrating its London-based helicopter division with the arrival of its first Sikorsky S-76

Fractional private jet provider Flexjet has added its first super-midsize Sikorsky S-76 helicopter to its European fleet, as it becomes the first private jet operator in Europe to launch an in-house, integrated helicopter division, according to the company.

The new service is initially focused on the UK.

It follows a similar launch last year by the company in the United States.

That footprint offers helicopter operations in the Northeastern U.S. and Florida.

Expanding in Europe and beyond

Flexjet plans to extend helicopter operations to other regions in Europe in the coming years.

It recently extended its fractional ownership target to the Middle East.

The U.K. helicopters are available as a standalone service and as an extension to its existing fractional owners.

Gulfstream G650 owners will receive complimentary helicopter transfers to and from their private jet flights at airports in London or the U.S. operating regions.

It is part of Flexjet’s ‘last mile’ solution as it battles NetJets and VistaJet in the super-midsize and large cabin segments. 

Marine Eugène, Flexjet European Managing Director, said of its rotor division, “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. We’re always striving to go that extra mile. This unique offering certainly communicates Flexjet’s relentless commitment to giving the most comfortable, efficient, and memorable experience possible to the most discerning global travelers.”

The Sikorsky S-76 has dual-redundancy safety features. That includes twin-turbine engine reliability, a four-blade rotor system for enhanced comfort and safety, and dual autopilot systems.

Every helicopter flight is operated by two certified, IFR-qualified pilots.

It has a flight range of 300 nautical miles.

The range means point-to-point flights both within London and as far afield as the south of Scotland, Dublin, or Paris.

Flexjet will also 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 experienced helicopter pilots.

Market potential

Eli Flint, Flexjet President of Global Helicopter Operations, added, “We see significant market potential for our premium helicopter programs here, and we’re raising the bar in rotary operations in every respect.” 

Each Flexjet Sikorsky S-76 helicopter seats up to eight passengers and features bespoke interiors from its LXi Cabin Collection.

Details include handstitched 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 programs, every Flexjet helicopter flight will be inclusive of offsetting at 300% of carbon emissions to recognize both CO2 and non-CO2 pollutants.

Working with the aviation sustainability consultancy 4AIR, Flexjet’s sustainability program allows fractional owners to invest in actions to reduce emissions by 5%.

This includes the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and investment in the non-profit Aviation Climate Fund, which supports leading research and development for future flight technologies.

These actions are included as a default in Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 programs in Europe, which are rated at Level 4-Platinum.

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