Helicopter charter Paris: flights from the UK

How does a helicopter charter to Paris work?

You tell us where you start, the date, your times in Paris and your passenger weights. We choose a twin-engine helicopter, plan the route across the Channel, arrange the landing at the French end and the notice needed for customs and immigration, and brief you on documents. You fly directly between the two places, so there is no airport at either end and no onward drive from an airport outside Paris.

From the London Heliport at Battersea to Paris Issy-les-Moulineaux the flight typically takes around 1 hour 25 minutes. Flights from the London Heliport are run by Battersea Helicopter, and London-origin Paris questions should go to them. This page covers flights from elsewhere in the UK.

Why a twin-engine helicopter?

Flights over water such as the Channel are made in twin-engine helicopters. A twin has a second engine, extra safety margin and equipment for the sea crossing, and our Paris flights always use one: an Agusta, Airbus or Leonardo twin such as the AW139, H145 D3, Agusta 109 Grand or AS355. We do not offer single-engine charter. All are flown on an Air Operator's Certificate by type-rated pilots. See our fleet page and the Battersea guide to twin-engine helicopters.

Flights from outside London

You do not have to start in London. Clients fly to Paris from the South Coast, the Midlands and other parts of the UK, usually by choosing a departure point close to home on the south or east side so that the Channel crossing is short and the fuel plan is simple. For example Southampton, Bournemouth, Biggin Hill, Redhill, Farnborough and Brighton are all options, and from the Midlands we may position on the south coast first. Tell us where you are and we work out the leg: the flying time depends on the departure point, the route and the wind, and we confirm the time before you book.

Customs, immigration and paperwork

A flight to France is an international flight, so every passenger needs a valid passport, and our team gives the required notice to the border authorities and the landing site. The customs arrangements at the French end depend on the landing site, and not every heliport is a designated point of entry; where that applies, the flight may need to clear at a designated airport first. We confirm the plan for your route and your landing before you book, and we do not rely on any shortcut around customs. If you need the paperwork for the aircraft, the approved air operator certificate and its documents, ask and we provide it.

Where in France?

Paris Issy-les-Moulineaux is a heliport on the south-west side of the city, close to the Eiffel Tower. It saves the drive in from Le Bourget airport, which takes about 45 minutes. Some clients prefer a shorter crossing and fly to Le Touquet, known as Paris by the beach, or to St Malo. Business visits, event attendances and corporate hospitality are the typical reasons to go. For a longer trip, or if time matters more than the landing point, a jet from the nearest business airport may suit better: see charter-private-jet.com.

Plan the Paris day

• Arrive 10 minutes before departure with passports.
• Soft bags only; holds are small.
• Give us weights for everyone and everything.
• Tell us where you need to be in Paris and when, and whether you need a car; we can arrange one through our chauffeur partner exec-chauffeur.com.
• If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing. A Channel crossing needs good conditions at both ends and over the water, so keep your plans flexible.

For price guidance read the helicopter hire price guides, then ask for your own quote on the contact page. Wider options are on our helicopter services page, and London arrivals are covered in London helicopter transfers.