Luxaviation Helicopters acquires Starspeed as first major business venture

Luxaviation Helicopters, part of the Luxaviation Group, has today announced the acquisition of Starspeed, the global helicopter management, charter and training company. The deal, Luxaviation Helicopters' first acquisition since launching in February 2017, positions the company as the world's largest VIP and VVIP helicopter operator.

Luxaviation Helicopters will incorporate Starspeed's fleet of 23 helicopters into its own fleet of managed and charter helicopters, providing clients of both companies with an expanded and integrated portfolio of helicopter and jet aviation services from the Luxaviation Group. With Starspeed's fleet, Luxaviation Helicopters now has a fleet of 42 helicopters.

Starspeed, headquartered in the UK, will retain its identity, leadership and personnel. The acquisition will enable Starspeed to benefit from an expanded back office and the wider breadth of resources which Luxaviation Helicopters can provide.

Charlotte Pedersen, chief executive officer, Luxaviation Helicopters, says: “We are very pleased to be announcing Starspeed as Luxaviation Helicopters' first acquisition. After careful consideration of the market, it was clear to us that Starspeed is one of the best corporate and VIP helicopter management companies in the world, with an outstanding reputation and highest safety standards available.”

Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group adds: “We want to work with established, well-respected local companies across the globe, like Starspeed, who can support our customers. This is a great opportunity for us to grow the two businesses and develop the helicopter market together.”

Simon Mitchell, director and accountable manager, Starspeed, says: “We are delighted to be joining Luxaviation Helicopters, a global brand that will help take Starspeed to the next level of helicopter management. There are clear indicators in the market which suggest that our top-end customers are looking for greater integration in the provision of aviation management services, and this includes the ability to place both fixed wing and rotary wing assets under the control of a single management organisation. This agreement allows our clients to benefit from just that.

“As operations become increasingly complex, there is a need to provide a greater scope of support services. By joining Luxaviation Helicopters, a worldwide operator, we have found a cost effective and efficient way to expand and strengthen the foundation services we provide, including efficient charter flights, exclusive VIP charter services, instrument rating and conversion training for qualified pilots wishing to extend their skills. Together, we will be able to achieve far more for our clients than we have been able to previously.”

Starspeed's fleet is made up of 19 helicopters under management plus four additional helicopters available for training and charter. Starspeed's fleet includes Sikorsky S-92 and S-76; Airbus Helicopters EC155, AS365, EC145, EC135 and AS350; Leonardo AW169 and Bell 429 helicopters. Every helicopter in the fleet is optimised to meet the specific requirements of the client and meets the highest safety standards.

As part of the Luxaviation Group, Starspeed will benefit from access to the Luxaviation Group's global portfolio of partners and clients, 25 world-class FBO facilities, 15 maintenance centres and the Group's global fleet of more than 250 aircraft.