A Starspeed and HeliFlite partnership brings Sikorsky S-76 C++ helicopter charter operations to the UK for London, domestic and cross-Channel missions.
Starspeed Ltd, part of the Luxaviation Group, has entered into a partnership with US helicopter operator HeliFlite to introduce Sikorsky S-76 C++ helicopter charter operations in the UK.
Under the agreement, 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 suited to longer domestic missions, including direct helicopter services from London to the Isles of Scilly, where Starspeed already operates scheduled and charter services.
The service will also support cross-Channel flights to destinations within approximately 200 miles of metropolitan London, including Paris, with London-Paris flight times of around one hour and 25 minutes.
Operating from its base at Fairoaks allows unrestricted hours of operation, including early-morning arrivals, night flying and off-airfield landings where permitted. The service is intended to support inbound transatlantic traffic and demand around major sporting and cultural events including Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Starspeed MD Dr Simon Mitchell says: “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 Londn-centric and cross-Channel missions, while maintaining the highest regulatory and operational standards.”
HeliFlite CEO Kurt Carlson says: “Partnering with Starspeed enables HeliFlite to extend its presence into the UK and European charter market through an experienced operator with established regulatory approvals.”
The Sikorsky S-76 C++ is available for charter immediately with two pilots and no owner-use restrictions.
