Used helicopter market starts to lift – says PremiAir

Friday 18th September, 2009

First time buyers looking to acquire a good secondhand helicopter with nothing to trade in will find some great deals available in today’s market, according to PremiAir. The company is maximising its presence at Europe’s leading helicopter show, HeliTech (Stand 1206) at Duxford next week to showcase a number of aircraft that sister company PremiAir Global has for sale.

For example, in its 22-strong portfolio it has a VIP Sikorsky S76A+ for sale - the first executive S76A to be delivered to Europe back in 1980. The aircraft was later converted to an A+ and has always operated in the UK on the G register. Offered with fresh exterior paint scheme and refurbished interior for US$1.5 million, this really is an ideal buying opportunity at a significant 40% discount on pricing compared with this time last year.

PremiAir Global has a diverse inventory of executive helicopters and fixed wing aircraft on its books. It is also marketing a limited edition Eurocopter EC135 designed in association with Hermes, the French design and fashion house. That aircraft is positioned in Abu Dhabi where PremiAir is seeing increased interest among potential buyers.

“Inventory levels of pre-owned aircraft on the market have stabilised over the past few months – a sea change from what we have observed over the last 18 months,” said PremiAir Global’s Managing Director Tim Blockley. “This could be the beginning of the end of the downturn and the remainder of 2009 may well present some excellent opportunities to purchase high quality machines at attractive prices.

We are representing four helicopters which can be considered “almost new,” including the EC135 Hermes, two VIP AS365N3’s and a superbly equipped offshore configured AW139. We are also dealing with a greater number of enquiries now that the summer holiday season is over.”

Editor’s Notes:
Established 30 years ago, PremiAir is the UK’s largest Executive Helicopter operating and charter company. It has bases at Blackbushe, Oxford, Denham and Farnborough Airports in the UK

PremiAir is privately owned by the von Essen Group and is a sister company of von Essen Hotels, which owns and operates 28 luxury hotels throughout the UK and Europe.

PremiAir also manages and operates The London Heliport at Battersea, which remains the UK capital’s only commercial heliport. New ultra modern business aviation terminal facilities are on schedule for completion in late 2009, connected to a new luxury five star boutique hotel development.

PremiAir flies approximately 4,000 charter hours a year with its modern fleet of Sikorsky 76s and Eurocopter Twin Squirrels. It has 18 Executive Helicopters on management programmes; providing turnkey services to their owners.

PremiAir’s maintenance business is also an FAA, EASA, CAA Part 145-approved organization; it is a Sikorsky Service Centre for the S76 (all models), a Bell Customer Service Facility for Bell 222, 230 and 430 and is a Hawker Beechcraft Authorised Service Centre for their Beechcraft Model range. PremiAir is also one of the largest Eurocopter maintenance centres in Europe supporting EC155, AS365 Dauphin and AS355 Twin Squirrel. The company also provides for support services on the AgustaWestland 109 model range and is a Pratt & Whitney Canada recognised maintenance facility and is a distributor for Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and numerous other equipment vendors.

PremiAir boasts Part 21J and G design and manufacturer approvals for aircraft modifications. With a large and experienced design office team, the company provides full refurbishment and upgrade services on most executive helicopter types and a wide range of fixed wing aircraft, including the full Beechcraft model range. Fixed wing aircraft are maintained at a new facility at Oxford Airport, which opened in October last year.

PremiAir is a leading player in the provision of pilots to the UK Police Forces with contracts with UK / Ireland Police Air Support units.

PremiAir Global is the company’s aircraft sales and brokerage business. It specialises in acquiring and selling new and used helicopters and business jets and is based at Farnborough Airport, UK.
Buying Business Travel Diamond Award Winner 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Best Executive Aviation Provider. Luxury Travel Winner Best Private Charter Company 2008.