Two new helicopters for 2008
Available for charter in 2008 Air Harrods is delighted to unveil details of its new VIP helicopters.

In line with its commitment to keep ahead of other UK operators by ensuring that the fleet is the safest and most up-to-date available, Air Harrods has purchased two of the latest VVIP twin-engined IFR helicopters currently available on the market. Both helicopters feature the latest technological advances from the industry. This will allow Air Harrods to offer its customers enhanced safety and reliability along with the established style and elegance that is synonymous with all Harrods products and services.

Agusta A109S ‘Grand’
The ‘Grand’ will be the first of the new helicopters to join the fleet when it comes on line later this year. After acceptance, and a short period of crew training, it will be available for charter very early on in 2008.

This latest derivative of the A109 series has been developed from the very successful 'Power' version of the popular and reliable light twin. It will provide levels of cabin space and payload more in common with the larger VVIP helicopters. The enlarged cabin has created considerably more legroom for passengers and will therefore mean a more comfortable ride for its maximum six passengers. The increase in the maximum operating weight (3175 kgs being the upper limit of the FAR/JAR 27 Certification category) means the available payload will comfortably allow two pilots, and a maximum of six passengers and their luggage, to fly as far as its earlier cousin the ‘Elite’, which carried three passengers. Thus it will have even greater versatility as a charter machine.

The advanced aerodynamic changes made to the aircraft fuselage and the newly developed main rotor and tail blades give the Grand extra speed and lessen even further the vibration and noise levels in the cabin. These levels are already well below the most stringent international requirements. The expected take-off, fly-over and approach noise levels are all below 90 EPNdb which will mean minimum disturbance when the Grand is operated near densely populated urban areas.

Safety dictates that Air Harrods always requires twin engines for all the helicopters that it operates and the Grand will feature a pair of the next generation Pratt & Whitney 208 engines. These will have smoke-free technology turbo-shafts that offer low emissions of pollutants. Additional features include increased power ratings and lower maintenance and operating costs over older existing versions.

Sikorsky S-76C++
This latest version of the proven S-76 model benefits from many of the technological advances made in the development of the Sikorsky S-92 and S-76D helicopters. The aim is to offer passengers an even quieter, smoother and safer flight than ever before.

Improvements in the power output of the helicopter’s engines and the introduction of engine inlet barrier filters are both significant safety enhancements which also ensure a more reliable helicopter for customers.

Out of sight of passengers the new Air Harrods S-76C++ will have a bespoke cockpit ergonomically suited to our operation. There will also be new, state-of-the-art technology which will include the latest moving map with integral TCAS along with the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System for improved pilot situational awareness, all adding to this helicopter’s enhanced safety features.

The spacious and extremely comfortable cabin has been upgraded for this model and features significant improvements in soundproofing made through the introduction of the new ‘Silencer’ interior which will also feature in the next generation Sikorsky S-76D helicopter. Advanced soundproofing materials, along with the sculpted roof of this interior, will give passengers an even more comfortable and quieter flight than previously experienced in other aircraft. The S-76C++ will be available for charter during the second quarter of 2008.


In keeping with the existing Air Harrods fleet, both helicopters will be equipped with all-weather capability, air-conditioning, complementary mini-bar and reading literature and will, of course, be available with a two-pilot option. The interiors of both new helicopters will be equipped to the highest standard and will feature a light and stylish colour scheme that will mirror the long-established distinguished style that customers have come to expect from one of the UK's leading charter operators.