Premium jet provider Flexjet unveils new European private helicopter division
March 23, 2023
- Flexjet Europe launches luxury helicopter programmes, the only private jet provider to offer a fully integrated rotary fleet operation
- Existing Flexjet Gulfstream G650 aircraft Owners receive complimentary access to prestigious Sikorsky S-76
London, March 23rd, 2023: Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, has welcomed 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.
The new service, initially focused on the UK, aims to redefine luxury point-to-point private travel, in a first of its kind move in Europe, and follows a similar launch last year by the company in the United States, which offers helicopter operations in the northeastern U.S. 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 significantly enhancing its Gulfstream G650 programme, which launched in Europe last September. Jet Owners on the ultra-long-range jet programme will benefit from complimentary helicopter transfers to and from their jet at airports in London or the U.S. operating regions, to enhance their travel experience with a seamless ‘last mile’ solution.
Marine Eugène, Flexjet European Managing Director, said: “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. Following the successful model already pioneered by Flexjet in the U.S., 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 one of the world’s most respected and longest-established super-midsize helicopters, with its reputation built on more than 40 years of safe flight history. Its dual-redundancy safety features include twin-turbine engine reliability; a 4-blade rotor system for enhanced comfort and safety; and dual autopilot systems. Every helicopter flight is operated by two certified, IFR qualified pilots.
Its extensive 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.
Eli Flint, Flexjet President of Global Helicopter Operations, said: “After such a successful launch in the U.S. last year, we’re extremely excited to be unveiling our Flexjet helicopter offering in Europe, led by a team of highly experienced professionals. We see significant market potential for our premium helicopter programmes 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 Flexjet’s unrivalled attention to detail across the 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 for one of the most prestigious events in the British social calendar.
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 industry-leading sustainability programme also allows aircraft Owners to invest in actions to reduce emissions by 5%, including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and investing 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 programmes in Europe, which are specifically rated at 4AIR’s highest level, Level 4 (Platinum).
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About Flexjet
Flexjet is a global leader in subscription-based private aviation. Long-established in the U.S. fractional jet ownership market since 1995, its European operation launched in 2019 based in London’s Mayfair, with a Tactical Control Centre at Farnborough Airport, and an Operational Centre in Malta.
In Europe, Flexjet offers shared ownership of its premium fleet of business jets, including the Embraer Praetor 600 and Gulfstream G650. Internationally the exclusive fleet includes the Embraer Phenom 300, Praetor 500, Bombardier Challenger 350, the Gulfstream G450 and G650. Red Label by Flexjet, a market differentiator, features the most modern fleet in the industry, flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft and the LXi Cabin Collection of interiors.
Flexjet’s European operation is compliant with the International Standard for Business Aviation Operators (IS-BAO) and is a Wyvern Wingman Certified Operator. In the U.S. its fractional aircraft programme was the first in the world to be recognised as achieving the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard, is the first and only company to be honoured with 23 FAA Diamond Awards for Excellence, upholds an ARG/US Platinum Safety Rating, and is IS-BAO compliant at Level 2.
Flexjet’s helicopter division offers flying programmes and on-demand charter access to its fleet of owned and operated helicopters, including the Sikorsky S-76, Agusta AW109 and AW169, serving locations in the United Kingdom, northeastern United States, and southern Florida.
In Europe Flexjet holds a 4AIR Silver Rating, recognising its leading approach to sustainability. This includes offsetting 300% of carbon emissions for every flight, with Owners also able to commit to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); and invest in the Aviation Climate Fund (ACF) to support future flight research and development projects. Flexjet is a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies.
Visit www.flexjet.com or follow us on Instagram @FlexjetLLC.
