Which Helicopter Is Best for Summer Events in the UK?

As the UK summer events season approaches, demand for private helicopter charter continues to rise around major events such as Royal Ascot, Wimbledon Championships, and British Grand Prix.

For clients travelling between London, private estates, racecourses, airports, and hotels, helicopters offer a fast and efficient alternative to road travel during busy summer periods.

Choosing the right helicopter depends on passenger numbers, route length, comfort requirements, and landing conditions. In this guide, SHY Aviation compares four popular models used for VIP helicopter charter across the UK and Europe.

Airbus H125

The Airbus H125 is one of the most versatile single-engine helicopters in the private charter industry. Lightweight, manoeuvrable, and efficient, the H125 is frequently used for shorter regional sectors and countryside arrivals.

Suitable for up to 6 passengers, the H125 performs particularly well in confined landing areas and scenic environments.

The helicopter is widely selected for leisure travel, estate arrivals, resort transfers, and sightseeing routes during the summer months.

The H125 offers:

• Excellent visibility
• Flexible landing capability
• Efficient operating performance
• Smooth scenic flying experience

Its panoramic cabin layout provides passengers with strong visibility throughout the journey, making it especially popular for coastal and countryside flights.

The Airbus H125 remains a practical option for shorter private helicopter charter routes where flexibility and efficiency are priorities.

AS365 Dauphin

The AS365 Dauphin is a twin-engine helicopter designed for larger passenger groups and longer regional routes.

Suitable for 7 to 8 passengers, the Dauphin combines strong operational capability with a spacious and comfortable cabin environment.

Its larger capacity makes it particularly popular for hospitality groups travelling to events such as Wimbledon, Silverstone, and summer destinations across Europe.

The AS365 is recognised for:

• Spacious cabin layout
• Comfortable ride quality
• Twin-engine performance
• Good baggage capability

The aircraft’s stable flight characteristics and longer range make it highly suitable for executive group transfers and yacht connections.

For clients travelling in larger groups, the AS365 Dauphin offers an excellent balance between comfort and performance.

Airbus H145

The Airbus H145 is one of the most modern helicopters currently operating within the VIP charter market.

Suitable for up to 8 passengers, the H145 combines advanced technology with a spacious, low-vibration cabin designed around passenger comfort.

The aircraft is frequently used for luxury event transfers, executive travel, and multi-passenger airport connections.

The H145 is known for:

• Quiet cabin environment
• Spacious interior layout
• Smooth passenger experience
• Advanced avionics

Its flat-floor cabin design provides noticeably more usable space than many helicopters within the same category.

The Airbus H145 is particularly well suited to luxury helicopter charter for summer events and executive group travel across the UK and Europe.

Choosing The Right Helicopter For Summer Event Travel

Selecting the right helicopter depends on several operational and passenger considerations, including:

• Number of passengers
• Flight distance
• Landing location
• Baggage requirements
• Comfort expectations
• Event access restrictions

Smaller groups travelling short distances may favour the flexibility of the Airbus H125, while clients seeking executive styling and speed often choose the AW109.

For larger hospitality groups attending events such as Royal Ascot or Wimbledon, the AS365 Dauphin and Airbus H145 offer increased cabin space and passenger capacity.

During the peak summer season, helicopter availability around London, Ascot, Silverstone, and the South of France can become increasingly limited due to high demand.

Alongside private helicopter charter, SHY Lifestyle can also arrange accommodation, chauffeur services, event access, and bespoke travel planning.

Speak to the SHY Aviation team today to discuss your helicopter charter requirements for the upcoming summer season.