PremiAir reports that it has won the contract from von Essen Hotels to operate the London Heliport at Battersea.

The hotel group is developing the site after acquiring the freehold from Weston plc. Development includes a luxury hotel next to the heliport that will house a new terminal, reception and business meeting room areas.

David McRobert, PremiAir md, says: "Since 1959, Battersea has offered vital helicopter access to the U.K.'s capital city for business, leisure, police and air ambulance uses. Following many years of uncertainty at Battersea, this move demonstrates that the new London Heliport owners are committed to maintaining this capability long term."

Christopher Forrest, PremiAir's operations director, adds: "The new heliport terminal, reception area

and hotel development is going to offer London Heliport customers world class business aviation facilities and services."

Located on the south bank of the River Thames between the Wandsworth and Battersea bridges, London Heliport provides landing, parking and refuelling services and claims to be the capital's only commercial heliport.

PremiAir employs more than 140 staff and operates from south east England bases at Denham and Blackbushe.