The UK's first public helicopter service to sell individual seats online has launched regular sightseeing flights from The Barclays London Heliport in Battersea.

The London Helicopter's real-time booking system allows customers to search availability up to 12 months in advance, make reservations, pay and check-in, all in one transaction. Prices per person start from £199 and complement similar services offered from the company's Redhill base where prices start at £129.

The helicopter route over London follows the Thames from Putney to Greenwich. During the flight, passengers see some of the capital's most historic landmarks and new attractions such as The Shard. Sporting venues including Wembley, The Emirates and the Olympic Stadium are also visible on the route.

Chris Mann, md of The London Helicopter says: “We're thrilled to be launching the first London based helicopter sightseeing service from London's only heliport. Joining the likes of New York, Las Vegas and Cape Town makes us enormously proud.”