Fairoaks Airport, Surrey (UK) / Kearny, New Jersey (USA) - Starspeed Ltd, one of the world’s
leading VIP helicopter operators and part of the Luxaviation Group, has entered into a partnership
agreement with US-based helicopter operator HeliFlite to introduce Sikorsky S-76 C++ helicopter
charter operations based in the United Kingdom.
Under the partnership, HeliFlite owns the aircraft while Starspeed acts as the UK-certified operator,
enabling full commercial charter operations in compliance with UK CAA regulations.
The Sikorsky S-76 C++ will primarily serve metropolitan London, enabling rapid connections within
10–20 minutes to and from key UK gateways, with most charter activity expected to start or finish at
Battersea Heliport. Configured with a six-seat VVIP cabin, the aircraft is also well suited to longer
domestic missions, including direct helicopter services from London to the Isles of Scilly, with flight
times of under two hours to the island of Tresco, where Starspeed already operates scheduled and
charter helicopter services.
In addition, the service will support cross-Channel city connections to destinations within
approximately 200 miles of metropolitan London, including Paris, with London–Paris helicopter
transfers of approximately 1 hour 25 minutes.
Operating from its base at Fairoaks allows unrestricted hours of operation, including early-morning
arrivals, night flying and off-airfield landings where permissions allow, making the service particularly
well suited to supporting inbound transatlantic traffic from the United States. 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.
Dr Simon Mitchell, Managing Director of Starspeed, commented: “This partnership with HeliFlite
brings together aircraft ownership expertise from the US market with Starspeed’s long-standing
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.”
Kurt Carlson, CEO of HeliFlite, added: “Partnering with Starspeed enables HeliFlite to extend its
presence into the UK and European charter market through an experienced operator withestablished 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++.”
The Sikorsky S-76 C++ will be available for charter immediately. Offered for full charter with two
pilots and no owner-use restrictions, the aircraft provides brokers and end-clients with a flexible, fully
commercial helicopter solution for London, the UK and cross-Channel destinations.
About Starspeed Ltd.
Founded in 1978, Starspeed Ltd. has grown into one of the UK’s most trusted helicopter operators,
serving leading corporations, heads of state, royalty, global CEOs, and private clients. For nearly
five decades, passengers have relied on Starspeed’s highly trained teams and extensive operational
experience, flying to major events, remote destinations, and worldwide engagements.
Starspeed’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its long-standing client relationships and
industry recognition, including two Managing Directors receiving the prestigious Eric Brown Award
for contributions to the helicopter sector.
The company has supported major international events and projects, including the Athens 2004
Olympics, the 2010 Papal visit to the UK, and numerous blockbuster film productions, and has
operated in more than 65 countries from over 20 super and mega yachts, across 20 helicopter types.
Since 2017, Starspeed has been part of the Luxaviation Group, one of the world’s largest private
aviation operators. With more than 1,300 employees across five continents, the Group offers
premium aircraft management, charter services, and VIP terminal operations at 25 airports
worldwide.
About HeliFlite:
HeliFlite has been the elite private helicopter service of choice, serving the Northeast, South Florida,
and destinations along the eastern seaboard for over 25 years with 55,000 safe flying hours. With
HeliFlite, your travel needs are served in a way that’s personalized, flexible, and with an unrivaled
travel experience.
www.heliflite.com