Starspeed partners with HeliFlite to introduce Sikorsky S-76 C++ helicopter charter services in the UK
July 21, 2026Starspeed partners with HeliFlite to introduce Sikorsky S-76 C++ helicopter charter services in the UK
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 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++.”
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 longstanding 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.
Instagram @starspeedhelicopters
Facebook @starspeed
LinkedIn @starspeed
Website www.starspeed.co.uk
About HeliFlite
HeliFlite is a private helicopter charter operator serving the Northeast U.S., South Florida, the Bahamas, the San Francisco Bay Area, and London, where it operates in partnership with Starspeed Ltd., part of the Luxaviation Group. For more than 25 years and across 70,000 safe flying hours, HeliFlite has flown exclusively twin-engine, dual-piloted aircraft and holds Wyvern Wingman and ARG/US safety certifications. From bases in Kearny, NJ, South Florida, and Northern California, HeliFlite provides on-demand private charters, airport transfers, and access through its HeliCard program, offering clients guaranteed availability and a convenient way to arrange private helicopter travel. Each flight is scheduled to the client’s schedule, delivering a seamless, personalized travel experience defined by safety, reliability, and exceptional service. HeliFlite. The Higher Standard.
Website www.heliflite.com
Media Contacts Starspeed Ltd/ Luxaviation Group:
Juliane Thiessen
Luxaviation Group
T +41 76 356 8251
juliane.thiessen@luxaviation.com
Lou Weis
Apollo Strategists
T +352 621 658 977
lou.weis@apollo.lu
Media Contacts HeliFlite:
Carolyn Caretti Marino
973.273.7572
cmarino@heliflite.com
