Isles of Scilly helicopter service expands fleet

A company which runs a helicopter passenger service between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland is expanding its fleet to meet increased demand.

Penzance Helicopters runs up to 11 daily flights between the islands and Penzance, taking up to 10 people per crossing.

The company said the addition of another helicopter would increase its fleet to three aircraft and allow up to 17 crossings per day.

David Page, Penzance Heliport base manager, said passenger numbers had increased by 30% since helicopter operators Starspeed took over running the service in 2022.

"The addition of a third aircraft will make a significant investment in the resilience, reliability and extra flights to the islands which is obviously what we need," Mr Page told BBC Radio Cornwall.

He added: "Initially we'll lease it [the aircraft] for a long-term period with the aim, eventually, to purchase it like we've done with the other two.

"The two we're running at the moment ranged between about £15m and £20m."

Mr Page said the business had connected with the community and held classes for schools and invited the local Women's Institute group for a tour.

"It's an ambition of mine to really connect with our neighbours and the community and we have worked hard as a team to do that over the past three years," he said.

Penzance Helicopters expect to receive their new aircraft in August and have it in operation for summer 2026.

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