Story ID: 
Flexjet Expands Helicopter Operations to Europe
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Flexjet to launch helicopter service in the UK, becoming the first jet operator in Europe to offer an in-house helicopter service. 
Word Count: 279
Flexjet has added its first super-midsize Sikorsky S-76 helicopter to its European fleet, becoming the first private jet operator in Europe to launch an in-house, integrated helicopter division. The new service, initially focused on the UK, follows a similar launch last year by the company in the Northeast U.S. and Florida.
The operator will offer helicopter programs as a standalone service and as an extension to its existing private jet owners as an enhancement of its Gulfstream G650 program in Europe. G650 program owners receive complimentary helicopter transfers to and from their jet at airports in London or the U.S. helicopter service operating regions, providing “last mile” travel.
Alongside the Sikorsky S-76, which will be targeted at regular helicopter program fliers, Flexjet will offer on-demand helicopter charters on its operated and managed fleet of Leonardo AW109s and AW169s. These machines were previously operated by Halo Aviation, the company acquired by Flexjet parent Directional Aviation in 2021. The S-76’s 300-nm range allows connections from London to the south of Scotland, Dublin, or Paris, and every helicopter flight is flown by two IFR-qualified pilots.
“After such a successful launch in the U.S. last year, we’re extremely excited to be unveiling our Flexjet helicopter offering in Europe,” said Flexjet president of global helicopter operations Eli Flint. “We see significant market potential for our premium helicopter programs here.” The company intends to expand its fleet of Sikorsky S-76s and extend helicopter operations to other regions in Europe in the coming years.