Luxaviation Helicopters, part of the Luxaviation Group, has acquired UK-headquartered helicopter management, charter and training company Starspeed. The deal is Luxaviation Helicopters' first acquisition since launching in February 2017, and positions it as one of the world's largest VIP and VVIP helicopter operators.

Luxaviation Helicopters will incorporate Starspeed's fleet of 23 helicopters into its own fleet of managed and charter helicopters, providing clients of both companies with an expanded and integrated portfolio of rotary and jet services from the Luxaviation Group. Including the fleet of Starspeed, Luxaviation Helicopters now operates 42 helicopters. Starspeed will retain its identity, leadership and personnel.

CEO of Luxaviation Helicopters Charlotte Pedersen states: “We are very pleased to be announcing Starspeed as our first acquisition. After careful consideration of the market, it was clear to us that Starspeed is one of the best corporate and VIP helicopter management companies in the world, with an outstanding reputation and the highest safety standards.”

Group CEO Patrick Hansen adds: “We want to work with established, well-respected local companies across the globe, like Starspeed, who can support our customers. This is a great opportunity for us to grow the two businesses and develop the helicopter market together.”

Director and accountable manager of Starspeed, Simon Mitchell, is delighted to be joining the group. “Luxaviation Helicopters is a global brand that will help take Starspeed to the next level of helicopter management,” he explains. “There are clear indicators in the market which suggest that our top-end customers are looking for greater integration in the provision of aviation management services, and this includes the ability to place both fixed wing and rotary wing assets under the control of a single management organisation. This agreement allows our clients to benefit from just that.

“As operations become increasingly complex, there is a need to provide a greater scope of support services. By joining Luxaviation Helicopters, a worldwide operator, we have found a cost-effective and efficient way to expand and strengthen the foundation services we provide, including efficient charter flights, exclusive VIP charter services, instrument rating and conversion training for qualified pilots wishing to extend their skills. Together, we will be able to achieve far more for our clients than we have been able to previously.”

Starspeed's fleet comprises 19 helicopters under management plus four additional helicopters that are available for training and charter. These include Sikorsky S-92 and S-76; Airbus Helicopters EC155, AS365, EC145, EC135 and AS350; Leonardo AW169 and Bell 429 helicopters.