Dragon Helicopters plans to operate from two bases covering the north of England and Scotland as it relocates after the closure of Sheffield City airport.

Alpha Helicopters, which is based at Robin Hood airport, Doncaster, Sheffield, says the two LongRangers and a JetRanger, available for charter on the AOC of Kent's Sky Charter, are working to capacity. But Alpha's Rob Warrender believes the company could pick up more charter business in 2008 because Nottingham is a busier airport than Sheffield was during Alpha's operations there.

Sheffield City, opened in 1997, was billed as a thriving general aviation and heliport centre, offering fixed wing and helicopter flight tuition and pilot training, as well as pleasure flights and business charters. However, airport manager David Donovan confirmed that its last operational day was 21 April. The site is being used for property development.

Karolyn Wellings, operations director of Dragon Helicopters, says a permanent base at Nottingham has its attractions. But she adds: "We would like to have two bases, one in the Derbyshire-Yorkshire area and one on the Scottish borders. That would give us options when we service our core geographic area of the north of England and Scotland."

Dragon has been operating a LongRanger for around five years. "We do mainly charter but also some film work. We need to see how the next year goes but a second Long-Ranger would be a sensible addition in the future. It is capable of carrying six passengers which enables us to cost-effectively carry groups that use us for corporate charter and for commissions involving a great many sporting events such as motor racing and golf." Central Helicopters at Nottingham, Wellings says, has helped Dragon Helicopters provide continuity of service.

Central Helicopters, which provides training on Robinsons, is applying for its own AOC and upgrading its facilities at Tollerton. Ian Briggs, md, says:

"We will be looking at acquiring a helicopter, initially assessing LongRangers. "We believe there are good opportunities for expansion and for increasing business."