Private jets may be your first thought if you’re looking to fly to your destination in style, but sometimes a helicopter can be a better choice. These aircraft can be more cost-effective and can get you closer to your desired destination. Here are some of the top private helicopters to choose from.
Top Private Helicopters
Private jets may be your first thought if you’re looking to fly to your destination in style, but sometimes a helicopter can be a better choice. These aircraft can be more cost-effective and can get you closer to your desired destination. Here are some of the top private helicopters to choose from.
As with most passenger aircraft, including those available for private jet charter, helicopters range in size, range and functionality. This means that whether you’re flying solo, taking your team of execs to a meeting or whisking family and friends off to a plush holiday destination, there’s a luxury helicopter designed to suit your requirements and deliver you to your destination in style and comfort.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and luxurious helicopters available for helicopter hire.
1. AgustaWestland AW109 Grand
The AgustaWestland AW109 Grand is a highly versatile, multi-purpose aircraft with an extended cabin and main rotor. It can carry two pilots and up to six passengers over a distance of 589 nautical miles. It’s equipped with two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW207C turboshaft engines and boasts speeds of up to 285 mph.
The bright and quiet cabin offers passengers exceptional comfort and luxury as well as extended baggage compartments for that extra set of golf clubs. And if the elegant interior of this model isn't enough, you can always upgrade to the Versace model, the result of a design collaboration between two Italian companies with the aim of creating a super-luxury aircraft. Whoever said that precision engineering and fashion don't go together has never seen this palace in the sky!
2. AgustaWestland AW139
In terms of capability, performance, cabin space and passenger comfort, the AgustaWestland AW139 is one of the best in the intermediate class of helicopters. Originally developed in collaboration with Bell as the AugustaBell AB139, Bell eventually sold the rights to the design to AgustaWestland.
This medium-sized aircraft may not seem so “medium” when compared to others in its class, given that it’s able to fly much farther (up to 776 nautical miles) and its two powerful FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C turboshaft engines allow it to reach cruise speeds of up to 190 mph.
It also has the largest passenger cabin in its class, which can carry up to nine passengers in unrivalled comfort. The extensive baggage compartments are accessible from both outside and inside the aircraft, making it an ideal choice for almost all personal and business needs.
3. Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2 (now Airbus Helicopters AS355 Écureuil 2)
The Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2, now Airbus Helicopters AS355 Écureuil 2, had its maiden flight in September 1979, with production of new Écureuil 2s ending in 2016. The Écureuil 2, also known as the Twin Squirrel, is equipped with two Turbomeca Arrius 1A engines and a Starflex motor hub, with main rotor blades made from composite materials that give this helicopter a peak speed of 173 mph and a cruise speed of 139 mph. It can also cover a maximum range of 380 nautical miles and has better single engine performance and yaw authority than other AS355s.
This aircraft is suitable for both military and civilian use, with the interior capable of transporting five passengers and one pilot.
4. Eurocopter EC135 (now Airbus Helicopters H135)
The EC135, now H135, first entered service in 1996 and has since provided service in more than 60 countries. It’s a twin-engine aircraft powered by either two Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arrius 2B2plus or Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 engines, which allow it to fly at a speed of 175 mph with a maximum range of 395 nautical miles. The main rotor is a four-blade, hingeless, fibre-composite design that offers better performance while lowering costs when compared to many other rotor designs.
The interior of this helicopter is suitable for up to six passengers, depending on whether the aircraft has one or two pilots. When there are two pilots, the aircraft can carry five passengers.
5. Eurocopter EC155 (now Airbus Helicopters H155)
This is another helicopter with decades of service behind it, going all the way back to 1997. It’s a twin-engine helicopter which uses two Safran Arriel 2C2 turbine engines that allow it to reach a peak speed of 201 mph and an incredible range of 532 nautical miles. Airbus uses its advanced Spheriflex® main rotor head and shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor to ensure a smooth flight for all on board.
This is a multipurpose helicopter designed to fly a larger number of passengers to their destination as quickly as possible, with a larger cabin design to cater for any additional travellers. Depending on the design of the interior, a maximum of nine passengers is possible, as well as one or two additional crew members. Due to this focus, it also provides luggage space to meet the needs of those on board.
6. Sikorsky S-76
The Sikorsky S-76 brings together the ideal combination of modern technology, style and comfort. Equipped with two Pratt and Whitney PW210S turboshaft engines, this aircraft is able to reach cruise speeds of up to 179 mph and travel distances of up to 507 nautical miles. The S-76 features a standard rotor configuration of a four-bladed, fully articulated main rotor and a four-bladed anti-torque tail rotor, as well as retractable wheeled landing gear.
The inside of the aircraft is almost entirely soundproof, meaning headsets are not required during your trip, and the large cabin can accommodate up to eight passengers. More space can be created depending on the layout you choose. With luxurious leather seats and impeccable design, the S-76 offers the discerning client a luxurious and comfortable flying experience.
Charter a flight with ACS today
Private helicopter charter is usually more cost-effective than chartering a private jet and has other benefits that could make it a better solution to a wide range of aviation needs. Whether you need to attend several meetings in different cities in a single day, travelling to a major event, want to take a helicopter tour to enjoy a bird's-eye view of your destination, or are flying to a destination where a private jet can’t land, we can help plan your trip, provide you with recommendations and book the ideal luxury private helicopter for you.
Contact us to book your helicopter flight today or to find out how we can assist with private jet hire.