Air Harrods history
At the turn of the last century the commercial opportunities of the exotic and fast growing industry of aviation did not pass Harrods by. The world famous store quickly recognised that it needed to adapt so as not to miss the opportunity to gain a new customer base.
During the 1920s new departments were opened to cater for the tastes of the ‘roaring twenties’; shorter skirts, bobbed hair, cocktails, sports cars, tea dances and jazz. The new aviation department was able to sell you not only an aeroplane or a flying boat and build you a hangar to put them in – it could offer flying lessons too.
In 1929, in the Harrods’ general catalogue, ownership or use of an aeroplane was described thus: 'Think of the joy of travelling through the air in perfect comfort and safety away from the congested and dusty roads – no speed or traffic regulations, glorious panoramic views – the world at your feet.' The only difference today is that Air Harrods can now add speed, a fleet of new twin-engine helicopters, luxury and reliability to the list of benefits of air travel. Air Harrods is proud of its lineage and, as it quietly celebrates ten years of service, the company can look back at that statement and be astounded at how closely it reflects the need for the services of Air Harrods today.
In 1996, Air Harrods was formed as a Harrods Group Company to establish the group’s name for quality and service into the UK helicopter charter market.
Utilising the Chairman’s immaculate fleet of private helicopters, the company started its operation initially at Blackbushe airport but quickly moved to London Stansted airport. Here the group established its own aviation facility, which is now branded Harrods Aviation.
The bespoke service operates four helicopters and provides a door-to-door executive charter service tailored to your individual needs and timetable. Dawn Wyatt, the Air Harrods Operations Manager, understands the business needs of its customers: 'The beauty of helicopter travel is that you really can be picked up from a suitable local site, possibly your own garden, if it is big enough. This negates the need for airports and all the associated hassle they entail.'
Throughout the past ten years the Air Harrods fleet has been constantly updated to ensure that our customers have the very best and latest machines available; today we have the finest examples of VIP helicopters currently available in the UK. With considerable investment and steady growth Air Harrods’ future looks set to continue the long established statement of quality, safety, comfort and style.
Some things never change and in today's super-charged world, getting between locations as quickly as possible is often a crucial element of a successful business. Air Harrods is still here to help make that happen.
