Oxford airport-based helicopter operator Capital Air Services has expanded its AOC operations to include a brand new Sikorsky S76 C++, to be based at Manchester Barton.

The S76 will shortly move into its own purpose built hanger and joins a diverse rotary fleet which includes the Sikorsky S92, EC155, EC135, Agusta 109 and the AS355 Twin Squirrel. Michael Hampton, managing director, said: "We were delighted to get involved with this exciting start up in an area where there are very few executive helicopters available for charter. We have high hopes to expand this operation and to give the Manchester and Liverpool business community 45 minute flight time access to the London area."

Capital Air Services' helicopters were seen out in force at both the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National meeting at Aintree ensuring horse race goers avoided the inevitable traffic, and Capital is now gearing up for the summer season where both Royal Ascot and The Silverstone F1 Grand Prix are proving very popular.

"We are very fortunate that we have a very young fleet of helicopters which is a great attraction to brokers who want their clients to enjoy immaculate surroundings when they fly," says Hampton.