High net worth individuals are taking demand for helicopter services in the U.K. to new heights. David McRobert, group md PremiAir, reports an eight per cent increase to date, over 2006 business levels.

“More high net worth individuals and corporates are recognising the value of quick point to point travel up to 250 miles,” he says. “Ownership by private individuals has increased too. First on their shopping list is the private jet, then the yacht and then the helicopter. Helicopters take personal transport to another level.”

McRobert adds: “Midsize helicopters in the Agusta Grand class are especially in demand in the charter market. PremiAir is looking to add

such sized aircraft, ideally through additional management contracts.” He estimates that PremiAir already flies approximately 4,000 total hours a year.

PremiAir operates five Sikorsky S76 executive helicopters in both six and eight seat configurations. These complement seven AS355 Twin Squirrels with four to five seats, and one Bell 222 which can be configured to seat up to six passengers. It also manages a 16-strong helicopter fleet for private operators.

Established 25 years ago, PremiAir was purchased from the McAlpine Group by von Essen earlier this year. Von Essen also acquired the London Heliport, which is managed and operated by PremiAir. “Demand at

the London Heliport is already outstripping the previous year,” McRobert reports. PremiAir has introduced a “first come, first served” slot allocation system, to help comply with the annual movement limit of 6,000 landings.

PremiAir is benefiting from a surge in demand for used helicopters. “Prospective owners turn to us for help and guidance in buying an executive helicopter,” explains Christopher Forrest, operations director. “Normal practice is to understand exactly what a buyer needs from a machine and then to identify suitable types of helicopter that match the customer’s requirements,” he says.