Europe’s largest helicopter management and VIP charter company Starspeed has expanded its charter operations to Cotswold Airport at Kemble.
The company has based a five-passenger Airbus H135 helicopter at the airport and is looking to add a further two over the coming months. The twin-engined helicopter is ideal for business and VIP charters due to its quiet noise footprint.
Starspeed said the move signalled its confidence in the economy of the area and demonstrated an increasing demand for business and VIP travel from locations in the West of England.
Director Simon Mitchell said: “We are seeing a strong market for both business and VIP flights here.
“By having an aircraft available we can provide a faster and more cost effective service because we don’t have to reposition from heliports in London: Anyone based West of Swindon, including Wales and the Midlands has previously had to pay for flying time to bring the helicopter to their location, to collect them – be it a nearby heliport or a private venue.
“Now, those costs have been minimised and we can provide businessmen and women with a faster and more efficient service to financial centres throughout Europe, or private charters to sporting and cultural venues at better value.”
Surrey-based Starspeed said there had been a steady growth in its charter business over the past five years. Its fleet includes 18 aircraft available for business and VIP flights from Surrey and Kemble.
Mr Mitchell added: “We’re confident that business will continue to be strong in this region and look forward to the possibility of further investments here over time. Providing helicopter services is a reflection of our confidence in the economic outlook and the growing demand that we’ve experienced over recent years for charters in the Cotswold area and West of England.”
Starspeed already provides advanced pilot training from Cotswold Airport, formerly RAF Kemble.
The firm is one of the oldest corporate and VIP helicopter management, charter and training companies in Europe and has operated for more than 30 years. It operates a mixed fleet including Sikorskys, Bells and Airbuses.
Pictured: Starspeed’s Airbus H135 helicopter based at Cotswold Airport
