Press Release

Issued by Saxon Air Charter.

February 15, 2010

SaxonAir has taken delivery of a Eurocopter EC120 helicopter marking the beginning of a new venture for the company into VIP helicopter charter operations. The new aircraft is intended to be the first in a larger fleet of helicopters offering a broader range of services to their existing and successful private jet charter business. 

Based out of Norwich International Airport, SaxonAir will offer tailored helicopter charter to the business and private market. The new helicopter will initially be operated as a joint collaboration with London Helicopter Centres  under their AOC. London Helicopter Centres forms part of the Patriot Aviation Group, with bases at Cranfield, Redhill, Gloucester, Wolverhampton and Enniskillen.

Managing Director, Chris Mace commented; 'We look forward to providing the same high level of service that our customers have come to expect from our private jet service, with the added convenience that helicopter transportation allows. Building on the success of our bespoke jet operation, the helicopter charter service was the next logical step. This is really the ultimate in door to door travel'. 

SaxonAir has experienced continued growth since it was established in 2007, despite recent economic conditions and bucking the trend in general aviation. With the addition of the Eurocopter EC120, to their existing fleet consisting of the Citation 510 Mustang, Hawker 400XP, Beechcraft King Air 200 and King Air 350, SaxonAir are building a versatile and cost effective fleet of aircraft that offers clients the optimum type of aircraft for their travel requirements. 

'I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to grow and expand our range of services and the collaboration with London Helicopter Centers provides the best environment in order to do this, ' added Chris Mace. 

The EC120 helicopter integrates more advanced technologies than any other light single-engine helicopter in the world. It has been designed to be environmentally friendly with an optimal external noise pattern at 6.6 dB below the ICAO limit and low fuel consumption Turbomecca Arrius 2F engine. The very wide cabin provides spaciousness and comfort not usually found in a light helicopter. Four passengers plus pilot can travel at their ease with unobstructed, excellent visibility. Unlike many helicopters, there is a great deal of luggage space, enough for about five large suitcases. Other features include new generation shrouded tail rotor, and crash resistant fuel system, passenger and pilot seats. The integrated instrument panel features a double colour screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) and First Limit Indicator (FLI). 

Pilot, Anna Loake commented; 'The EC120 is very easy to fly. Instrument monitoring and start-up are aided by the FLI which integrates all the parameters a pilot needs into one clear, easy to read dial, and the VEMD displays all the information which could be needed at any time – fuel state, engine oil T's and P's, load data etc. It is also a very comfortable, smooth ride for both pilot and passengers.' 

SaxonAir intend to expand their fleet of helicopters in 2010 to meet demand and broaden further the range of services they offer to the customer.