The Airbus H145: an 8-seat VIP helicopter for UK charter

When a charter is too big for the Agusta A109 Grand, the aircraft we move up to is the Airbus H145. It is the largest helicopter in our twin-engine fleet and, for group VIP travel in the UK, one of the most capable machines you can charter.

In the layout we charter, the H145 seats up to eight passengers in club-style VIP seating — the extra space over a light twin is immediately obvious. Full-height doors, a flat cabin floor and generous baggage volume make it the practical choice for a board, a family plus luggage, or a wedding party moving between venues. It is the aircraft you want when everyone needs to arrive together, on time, and unruffled.

The H145's five-blade main rotor is the headline. More blades spread the load and cut vibration, so the ride is noticeably smoother and quieter than older four- or two-blade designs — the difference between arriving relaxed and arriving rattled. Twin Safran Arriel 2E engines and a full IFR cockpit give it the reliability and all-weather flexibility we need for cross-country tasking, and the payload to carry a full cabin without compromise.

Smoothness is not a luxury detail — it is why groups choose the H145 for anything longer than a short hop. Over 45 minutes of flying, the five-blade rotor is the difference people remember.

• Group VIP charter — up to eight travelling together, one aircraft, one arrival.
• Corporate roadshows and away-days — moving a leadership team between UK sites in a day. See business travellers: helicopters vs cars.
• Event shuttle programmes — repeat sorties into major UK events where capacity per rotation matters.
• Weddings and larger family movements — the cabin and baggage space the A109 cannot match.

The H145 is the most expensive aircraft we operate, so it earns its place when you genuinely need the seats or the cabin — not for a couple on a short transfer, where the A109 Grand is faster and far more economical. We walk through exactly where the line falls in A109 Grand vs H145: which VIP helicopter. For five or fewer on a budget, the Eurocopter AS355 Twin Squirrel is the value option.

As with any charter, the H145 is priced per flying hour plus positioning and landing fees; the larger aircraft carries a higher hourly rate than the A109. For an accurate figure, request a quote with your route, date and numbers, or read the 2026 helicopter hire prices guide first.

For longer legs beyond helicopter range, or a mixed itinerary, our group also arranges private jet charter through Charter-A, and central-London departures through Battersea Helicopter.

Larger group, longer day, or comfort at full capacity — the H145 is built for it. Request a quote and we will confirm the right aircraft for the job.