Flexjet has added a helicopter to its European aviation fleet, as it becomes the first private jet operator in Europe to launch an in-house helicopter division.
The new service will initially focus on the UK, where Flexjet hopes to “redefine luxury point-to-point private travel”.
Flexjet, which offers shared ownership of its planes, will provide the helicopter operation both as a standalone service and as an extension to its existing private jet owners.
Jet owners on its ultra-long range jet programme will benefit from complimentary helicopter transfers to and from their jet at airports in London or the US operating regions.
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.”
Flexjet’s first purchase is a super-midsize Sikorsky S-76 which offers a flight range of 300 nautical miles.
Each Flexjet Sikorsky S-76 helicopter seats up to eight passengers and features bespoke interiors from Flexjets’ LXi Cabin Collection.
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, which was 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.
“After such a successful launch in the US last year, we’re extremely excited to be unveiling our Flexjet helicopter offering in Europe, led by a team of highly experienced professionals,” Eli Flint, Flexjet’s President of Global Helicopter Operations said.
He added: “We see significant market potential for our premium helicopter programmes here and we’re raising the bar in rotary operations in every respect.”