Starspeed and HeliFlite launch S-76 C++ UK helicopter charters

The new Sikorsky S-76 C++ service is operating from Fairoaks, near London.

VIP helicopter company Starspeed is partnering with US-based rotary operator HeliFlite to introduce Sikorsky S-76 C++ charter operations in the UK. HeliFlite owns the aircraft while Starspeed acts as the UK-certified operator, enabling full commercial charter operations in compliance with UK CAA regulations.

Operating from Fairoaks Airport, southwest of the capital, is said to enable the new service to benefit from unrestricted hours of operation, including early-morning arrivals, night flying and off-airfield landings where permissions allow. Flights will operate mainly in the London area. Most charter flights are expected to start or finish at Battersea Heliport and involve flights of between 10–20 minutes to and from key UK gateways.

The service is said to be particularly well suited to supporting inbound transatlantic traffic from the US. These capabilities enable discreet access to locations close to final destinations and support periods of high demand around major sporting and cultural events such as Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Configured with a six-seat VVIP cabin, the aircraft is also well suited to longer domestic missions, according to the partners. Destinations include direct helicopter services from London to the Isles of Scilly, with flight times of under two hours to the island of Tresco. Starspeed, part of the Luxaviation Group, already operates scheduled and charter helicopter services from the island.

The new service will also support cross-Channel city connections to destinations within about 200 miles of London. Connections between London and Paris are expected to take about one hour 25 minutes.

Simon Mitchell, MD, Starspeed said the partnership with HeliFlite combined aircraft ownership expertise from the US market with his company’s operational experience in the UK and Europe. “Operating the Sikorsky S-76 C++ from Fairoaks allows us to offer an exceptionally flexible helicopter charter solution, particularly for London-centric and cross-Channel missions, while maintaining the highest regulatory and operational standards,” he said.

Kurt Carlson, CEO of HeliFlite said: “Partnering with Starspeed enables HeliFlite to extend its presence into the UK and European charter market through an experienced operator with established regulatory approvals. This collaboration ensures that clients benefit from a seamless service delivered to UK and European regulatory standards, while accessing the proven performance and comfort of the Sikorsky S-76 C++.”