Fairoaks, UK-based Starspeed, one of the oldest VIP helicopter management, charter and training companies in Europe and part of Luxaviation Helicopters, is celebrating 40 years of successful helicopter operations.

Luxaviation Helicopters, part of the Luxaviation Group, acquired Starspeed in September 2017 to claim the top spot as the world's largest VIP and VVIP helicopter operator.

During its 40 years of operations, Starspeed has flown in more than 60 different countries, from 10 super and mega yachts, using 20 different types and variants of helicopters, including the Enstrom F28, Bell 206, AS350, AS355, AS365, EC155, EC135, EC145, H145, Bell 222, Bell 430, Bell 429, AW169, AW139, Sikorsky S-76 and Sikorsky S-92. Today it manages a fleet of 23 helicopters, a figure that rises to 42 rotorcraft with Luxaviation Helicopters' own fleet.

Director and accountable manager of Starspeed Simon Mitchell says: “Since that summer's day in 1978, many personalities and business people have enjoyed the convenience and pleasure of helicopter travel with us, and trusted the many decades of experience from the superbly trained, highly skilful people that make this enduring company what it is and always has been – the best.”

Luxaviation Helicopters CEO Charlotte Pedersen adds: “We are proud to celebrate Starspeed's 40th anniversary, proving that it remains one of the best corporate and VIP helicopter management companies in the world, with an outstanding reputation and the highest safety standards available.”

Starspeed has twice been been presented with the Eric Brown Award for contributions to the helicopter industry: David Voy received it in 1999, and Simon Mitchell was the recipient in 2014.