The short answer
Client entertainment by helicopter means flying a host and guests to a country-house hotel, restaurant or private dining venue and home again, with a business purpose. Landing at hotels and private sites is subject to landing permission and site suitability, and some venues limit visits, so book early. We arrange the aircraft, the landing and the timings.
Want a price for this? Tell us where and when; we reply with options and a price for the whole aircraft.
Key facts
- Purpose
- Client entertainment and corporate hospitality
- Typical venues
- Country-house hotels, restaurants, private dining
- Landing
- Subject to landing permission and site suitability
- Passengers
- 3 to 8 depending on aircraft
- Arrive
- 10 minutes before departure
- Tip
- Book early: some venues allow only a limited number of landings
Why fly clients to dinner?
A client lunch in a country-house hotel is a good meeting, if you can get everyone there rested and on time. A helicopter turns a 90-minute drive each way into a short flight, so the guest list can include people with tight diaries, and the journey becomes part of the hospitality. It is a business decision first: the aim is to win, keep or thank a client, not to make a day of the flight.
Venues we are asked to fly to
These are popular destinations. Each has its own page with the practicalities.
- Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire: a popular lunch and dinner destination that offers landing facilities but limits how many it accepts each month, so booking early matters.
- The Grove, Hertfordshire, about 18 miles from London, with a championship golf course, gardens and meeting rooms.
- Brocket Hall, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG, an historic estate with two championship golf courses and the Auberge du Lac restaurant.
- Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire SL6 0JF, a National Trust estate with a five-star hotel and a dining room with 3 AA Rosettes.
- Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6QS, a country-house hotel in the New Forest.
- Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and The Fat Duck in Bray.
Facts about the venues, such as awards and amenities, come from the venues themselves and change over time, so check them with the venue.
Landing at a hotel or restaurant
Most hotels and restaurants cannot take a helicopter on the lawn without notice. Landing is subject to landing permission and site suitability: the venue must agree, the ground must be suitable, and the crew must be satisfied with the approach, obstacles and wind. Some venues allow only a small number of landings each month. Where a landing is not possible, we use a nearby airfield or helipad and a short car transfer; see the UK heliports and airfields directory. We ask the venue, we do not promise permission, and we tell you before you commit.
A host's timeline
- Choose venue and date. Ask us whether landing is likely before you invite anyone.
- Send the guest list. We need numbers and approximate weights, and the start point for each person.
- Confirm the plan. We confirm the aircraft, the landing, the times and the car at the landing site if needed.
- On the day. Guests arrive 10 minutes before departure, with photo ID.
- Return. Daylight and the venue's landing hours set the latest departure, especially in winter.
Pairing with an event
Many hospitality days pair a meal with an occasion: racing, golf, football or motorsport. See corporate days out for those, and business helicopter charter for the meeting itself. For a car at either end, see exec-chauffeur.com.
Aircraft and numbers
The AW139 carries up to 8 passengers, the H145 D3 up to 8, the Agusta 109 Grand up to 6 and the AS355 Twin Squirrel up to 5. Smaller groups often fly in one aircraft; larger parties may use two. Weights decide, so give us approximate weights. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing, and we agree a road backup with you for important guests. Ask for a quote on the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can the helicopter land at the hotel or restaurant?
Often, with the venue's agreement. Landing at hotels and private sites is subject to landing permission and site suitability, and we never promise permission. If it is not possible, we use the nearest suitable airfield and a short transfer.
How early should I book?
As early as you can. Some venues, Le Manoir for example, accept only a limited number of landings each month.
How many guests can I take?
Up to 8 in an AW139 or H145 D3, up to 6 in an Agusta 109 Grand and up to 5 in an AS355 Twin Squirrel, depending on weights. Larger parties can use two aircraft.
Do you arrange the venue booking?
No. You book the table or the room. We arrange the flight and the landing, and we coordinate times with the venue.
Is this a leisure flight?
No. It is business travel: corporate hospitality and client entertainment, from one place to another.
What if the weather is bad?
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing. For important guests we agree a road plan in advance.
