More private charter customers are requesting helicopters because they don’t need a runway to get you to remote locations, mountaintops and even yachts, and you can get to your destination in total style. Read our list of helicopter picks, from nimble two-seaters to luxury boardrooms in the sky.
Top private helicopters
Chartering a private helicopter is an increasingly popular way to reach almost anywhere you choose, even when there’s no runway available. A helicopter charter is quick, private and incredibly comfortable. This is our pick of the best choppers available today for hire – from nifty two-seaters to luxurious world-record-setters.
Airbus ACH160
The Airbus ACH160 may not be widely available just yet for private charter flights, having been launched in late 2020, but this luxury helicopter, which cost Rs 8,900 crore to develop, deserves a place on our list of top private helicopters.
The rotorcraft can seat up to 10 passengers in an interior that feels like that of a Rolls-Royce, with leather seats, wood veneers and handmade carpets. Customisable configurations give the option of bench-style seating, individual seats or both.
In a world first, the ACH160 has a Blue Edge five-bladed main rotor, which reduces noise by three to four decibels, and increases its carrying capacity by 100kg. We think that the quieter interior, with more room for luggage and equipment, will make this a popular aircraft to rent in years to come. The ACH160 can reach a top cruise speed of around 286kph.
Bell 222
The Bell 222 was the first light, twin-turbine-engine helicopter developed in the US, and is a highly popular choice for corporate charter flights. The design features two main rotor blades of stainless-steel-fibreglass, and twin Lycoming/Honeywell LTS101-650 turboshaft engines. These engines allow the aircraft to reach cruise speeds of up to 240kph, and cover distances of up to 705km.
One of the best-looking civil helicopters ever designed, with its shark-like silhouette and stunning interior, this luxury helicopter has capacity for two pilots and up to six passengers in a choice of executive layouts. If it looks familiar, this may be because a modified version of the 222 had a starring role in the US TV series, Airwolf.
Bell 206B Jet Ranger
The Bell 206 is one of the most popular multipurpose utility helicopters that is requested for private charter flights. The aircraft was originally designed for the US Military as the Bell YOH-4, but failed to see any action before the airframe was redesigned and successfully marketed commercially as the Jet Ranger.
The Jet Ranger has capacity for a single pilot and up to four passengers in an interior that’s so luxurious it made it onto the big screen, with an appearance in two Bond films, as well as Terminator 2.
This model has a single Rolls-Royce 250-C20J engine and can cover a distance of up to 692km at an average speed of around 216kph.
AgustaWestland AW109 Power Grand
The AW109 Power Grand is a highly versatile, multipurpose aircraft charter option. It has an extended cabin and main rotor, and can carry two pilots and up to seven passengers over a distance of 948km. It is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C turboshaft engines, and can travel up to 459kph.
This helicopter offers passengers exceptional comfort and luxury in a bright cabin that’s exceptionally quiet for business meetings or relaxation, while extended baggage compartments mean you can bring along that extra set of golf clubs. If the elegant interiors of this model aren’t enough, you can always upgrade your charter flight to the super-luxury Versace model, the result of a design collaboration between two Italian companies. Whoever said precision engineering and fashion do not work well together has never seen this palace in the sky!
AgustaWestland AW139
The AgustaWestland AW139 is one of the best helicopters in the intermediate class when it comes to capability, performance, cabin space and passenger comfort. Originally developed in collaboration with Bell as the AgustaBell AB139, Bell eventually sold the design rights to AgustaWestland.
Classed as a medium-sized aircraft, the AW139 punches above its weight: it is able to fly much further than other helicopters in this category (up to 1,249km), while two powerful FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C turboshaft engines allow this air charter model favourite to reach a cruise speed of 306kph.
The AW139 also has the largest passenger cabin in its class, able to accommodate up to 10 passengers in unrivalled comfort. The extensive baggage compartments are accessible from outside and inside the aircraft, making it an ideal choice for almost all personal and business charter flights.
Eurocopter 120 Colibri
Known as the ‘French hummingbird’ due to the quietness and easy manoeuvrability of this utility helicopter, the EC120 Colibri is powered by a single Turbomeca Arrius 2F turboshaft engine, and can reach cruise speeds of up to 220kph over a maximum distance of 710km.
The EC120 is also about as green as you can get, with the design of this aircraft aiming to reduce pollutant emissions and boost fuel efficiency in accordance with the Green Rotorcraft European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative environmental research program, launched in 2011.
As an air charter, the EC120 offers a wide, five-seater ergonomic cabin with ample external visibility so you can enjoy the view from almost anywhere inside the helicopter.
Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil AStar
The AS350 Ecureuil was originally designed in France by Aérospatiale and Eurocopter, and is marketed in North America as the AStar or H125. This aircraft is a single-engine multipurpose helicopter equipped with a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine. It can reach cruise speeds of up to 257kph, and cover a distance of 670km. The engine drives a three-blade main rotor furnished with a Starflex rotor head, and is known for delivering an impressive performance at high altitudes.
This single-pilot aircraft is widely popular for private charter flights, thanks mainly to its multiple cabin configurations, which can seat between four and six passengers in absolute comfort. Newer versions of the AStar feature a Stylence interior, designed to further enhance passenger comfort and luxury.
McDonnell Douglas MD 900
The MD900 is a twin-engine light utility helicopter, and the first ever to be designed entirely from scratch using CAD (computer-aided design) tools. Originally named MDX, this chopper is the first manufactured by McDonnell Douglas Helicopters to use the NOTAR (no tail rotor) design. Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207E turboshaft engines allow for cruise speeds of up to 245kph, and the MD900 can travel up to 304km.
This helicopter charter can carry one pilot and four to six passengers, depending on the interior layout you choose. It also features a bearingless five-blade main rotor with composite blades, and the tail and fuselage are built from carbon fibre.
The combination of modern technology, quiet operation and low maintenance costs make this a serious competitor in the business of private flights.
Robinson R22
The Robinson R22 is a two-seater, single-engine light utility helicopter which may have room for just two passengers, but is packed with everything you need to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious flight that gives you access to almost anywhere you want to go. Both the passenger and pilot get to enjoy leather seats, a cabin heater and defogger, and there’s ample cabin space with panoramic views.
The R22 features a horizontally mounted Lycoming O-320 engine, which allows for cruise speeds of up to 175kph and a range of up to 459km.
Though small, the R22 is a proven workhorse that delivers exceptional performance in a variety of applications. It has a two-bladed main rotor and two-bladed tail-rotor system. The normal production variant features skid landing gear, while the mariner version (no longer manufactured) provided floats, but no wheeled landing gear. The R22 is able to take off and land directly onto a trailer, which can be hooked up to your car or RV.
Sikorsky S-76
An air charter aboard the Sikorsky S-76 offers an ideal combination of modern technology, style and comfort. Equipped with two Pratt & Whitney PW210S turboshaft engines, this chopper can reach cruise speeds up to 288kph, and travel distances of up to 816km. The S-76 features a standard rotor configuration of a four-bladed, fully articulated main rotor and a four-bladed anti-torque tail rotor, as well as retractable wheeled landing gear.
The almost entirely soundproofed cabin offers exceptionally quiet private flights, with no headsets required during your trip. The spacious cabin can accommodate up to six passengers, but more space can be achieved depending on the layout you choose. With luxurious leather seats and impeccable design, the S-76 offers a luxurious and comfortable flying experience.
Sikorsky S-92
If you’re travelling with a party of up to 19 people, you may not think a private helicopter charter will meet your requirements, but if your desire is to fly in a literal airborne palace, the interior options for the Sikorsky S-92 are nearly limitless, and offer the absolute pinnacle of luxury and style. Custom interior designs include options such as granite flooring, custom woodwork, and leather – or even gold – finish on the seat belt buckles. There are also layout options with fewer seats that allow for the inclusion of a galley or drinks bar.
Powered by twin GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines, and equipped with a composite four-bladed main rotor with extended blades, this rotorcraft is able to reach cruise speeds of 278kph and covers distances of up to 998km. The S-92 also features an active vibration-control system that works to increase comfort and decrease noise in the cabin.
Charter a flight with ACS today
A helicopter charter is generally more affordable than chartering a private jet and doesn’t need a runway to take off or land. This makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of travel requirements, whether you need to attend several meetings in different cities in a single day, or you’d like to take a helicopter tour of your destination for the ultimate bird’s-eye view.
Contact us at your local Air Charter Service (ACS) office to book your aircraft charter. We can help plan your trip, provide you with recommendations, and book the ideal luxury private helicopter for you.