UK Helicopter Charter Companies: 6 Leading Providers for Business, Leisure, and Emergency

The UK has a mature helicopter charter market. Key operators:

1. Air Charter Service (ACS) – Global broker, vast fleet access, 24/7, corporate, cargo, medevac, tours. HQ: Farnborough.
2. Babcock International – Major defense/civil contractor. SAR (HM Coastguard), offshore wind, powerline inspection, crew transport. HQ: London.
3. Helicopter Services (HS) – UK-based, corporate/VIP, leisure, filming, survey. Fleet: AW109, AW139, EC135. HQ: Redhill.
4. Jet2.com – LCC also offers charters (scenic, events). Limited fleet.
5. NHV Group – Belgian parent, UK base. Offshore oil/gas, SAR, VIP. Fleet: H175, H145, AW189.
6. Titan Helicopters – Bespoke corporate/VIP, events, filming. Fleet: AW109, EC135. HQ: London.

Specialized Niches

• Premiair (Blackbushe) – VIP, medical.
• Castle Air (Oxford) – Executive, training.
• HeliAir (Wellesbourne) – Training, charter, maintenance.
• Starspeed (Farnborough) – VIP, cargo.

Booking

Contact directly or via broker (ACS, BFS, Chapman Freeborn). Provide: dates, pax, luggage, route, budget. Expect £1,500–4,000+/hr depending on type.