Air Harrods was recently involved in a spot of matchmaking, when it chartered a helicopter for use on UK television programme Dial-A-Date. Chief pilot Robin Renton said: “We took a young female model and a guy she’d picked out of a series of video clips on a Valentine’s Day outing. We picked them up from Battersea and then flew up to Amberley Castle, Arundel (West Sussex), where they had dinner. I believe they got on

well, although I don’t think they’re going to see each other again.”

The company has streamlined its fleet to now include two S76s and an Agusta 109. Renton explained: “In the past we operated a Squirrel and the 76s, before adding an EC 135. It was a very nice aircraft but less suitable for the corporate market.

“I think we now have a good mix of top-end machines, although obviously we can’t compete with the likes of JetRangers and Twin Squirrels.”

Renton said that despite his regular customers, business fluctuates a great deal depending upon the economy. “The helicopter charter market so far this year has been very quiet across the board,” he said “but we do expect things to pick up from March onwards. We also have some interesting moves on the horizon which we’ll soon be revealing.”