AW139, H145 D3, Agusta 109 Grand, AS355 and S-76 compared

Key points

• Every aircraft in our fleet is twin-engine, flown under a UK CAA Air Operator's Certificate and fully insured.
• Seats range from five to eight. Luggage, weights and range decide what is practical.
• We recommend the aircraft; you do not need to choose. Tell us the party, weights and route.
• Bigger aircraft carry more, but they also need more room to land. Smaller aircraft reach tighter sites.
• Availability varies, and we quote what is available on your date.

How do the five aircraft compare?

The seat numbers are for our charter layout. Full details are on each aircraft's page and on the fleet page.

When is the AW139 the right choice?

The Leonardo AW139 is our VIP flagship, with the largest cabin in the fleet and eight seats. It suits larger parties, long legs and clients who want the most comfortable cabin. Its size means it needs a bigger landing area than the smaller types, so for tight private sites we may suggest something else. The cabin is spacious, but you cannot stand up in it, and we never suggest otherwise.

When is the H145 D3 the right choice?

The Airbus H145 D3 also seats eight. It is a modern twin-engine helicopter with a roomy cabin, and it is dependable for larger groups and for overseas clients arriving in the UK. It is a strong all-rounder when you need eight seats without the full flagship treatment. See the H145 D3 page.

When comparing the AW139 and the H145 D3, the practical differences are cabin size, landing area, range and availability on your date. We tell you which fits the route and the site.

When is the Agusta 109 Grand the right choice?

The Agusta 109 Grand seats six and is known for speed and refinement. It suits client trips where arriving well matters, and flights to Paris, where its pace helps. Our page on helicopter charter to Paris covers that route. It has less room for bags than the larger types, so soft luggage matters.

When is the AS355 Twin Squirrel the right choice?

The AS355 Twin Squirrel seats five and is the practical choice for smaller parties, with good room for bags relative to its size. It can often use smaller sites. It suits short legs and parties of four or five with luggage.

What about the Sikorsky S-76?

The Sikorsky S-76 is a long-established twin-engine executive helicopter, and we can offer it on request. Seats and availability vary, so ask us when you request a quote. Our S-76 page has more.

How do the aircraft differ in daily use?

Daily use shows the differences better than a brochure. The AW139 and H145 D3 are the choice when eight people travel together or when cabin space matters, for instance a board with luggage. The Agusta 109 Grand suits a party of four to six who value speed, such as clients flying to Paris. The AS355 Twin Squirrel suits a party of three to five on a regional hop with bags. The S-76 is chosen where its particular qualities suit the task.

Behind the aircraft is the same standard: twin engines, a UK CAA Air Operator's Certificate, full insurance and type-rated pilots. Availability changes with the season, the date and demand, so we quote what is available for your day rather than promise a particular type months ahead. If you have a preference, say so, and we will tell you whether it is possible. A helicopter fleet compared on paper cannot replace a conversation about your trip, so tell us the details and we will match them.

Two practical points. Larger aircraft are heavier and need more landing space, so they suit airfields and big estates best. Smaller aircraft reach tighter sites. And luggage space is not the same as seat count: always give us the bag count and weight. See passenger weight and luggage, and landing at a private site.

For central London departures, Battersea Helicopter covers the same kind of aircraft from the London Heliport.

What do the aircraft share?

Whatever the type, every flight follows the same standard. The helicopter is twin-engine, on a UK CAA Air Operator's Certificate and fully insured. The pilot holds a type rating for it, and the flight is planned with weather, weight and landing sites in mind. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing. The differences between the aircraft are about comfort, capacity and reach, not about the basic standard. That is why we are comfortable letting you tell us the trip, and recommending the aircraft that fits.

How do I choose?

You do not need to. Tell us the number of passengers, their weights, the luggage and the route, and we recommend the aircraft. For the factors behind the choice, read choosing the right helicopter and twin-engine helicopter safety. Request a quote to get started.