Penzance Helicopters Service Hit By Coronavirus

The Coronavirus situation in China has halted the acquisition of a passenger helicopter.  It is schedule to fly on the new Penzance to The Isles of Scilly route next month. However, the service will go ahead but using a smaller variant.

This 15-seater AW139 model has been caught up in the virus epidemic in the far east.  And has not yet been allowed to be exported to the UK.

9 seater AW109 is the type that will operate.

Service still to launch on March 17th

Never the less,  the company confirm that the new service will still to go ahead on the 17th March^. Although it will now have to be flown by a smaller but only 9-seater AW 109 version instead.

The Penzance Helicopters service team have been hit by the news that their new helicopter has been placed under Chinese export restrictions. These are linked to the Coronavirus control measures. Implemented by the government there.

A typical cockpit of an AW 139 Pic: CC A Hunt.

Following manufacture in Italy.  The aircraft had been on a short duration flying contract in China. But it is now ready for shipment back to Europe.   However, current export restrictions in China have delayed the aircraft.  Plus, therefore its entry into service.

Penzance Helicopters Dealt With Difficult Situation

Sloane Helicopters who will operate the airlink is ensuring there will be no delay to the service by providing a back-up aircraft from its fleet to fly between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly routes.

The seating layout in the AW139.

The temporary replacement craft is the AW109SP. The exact timing of the AW139’s arrival is currently unknown, although it is hoped the aircraft could be at Penzance by the end of March.  The AW109SP will operate the service until the AW 139 arrives.

This is the similar to the AW139 that will operate from Penzance soon. Pic: CC Oren Rozen.

This highly anticipated service, operated by Sloane Helicopters with 48 years of experience in rotary wing operations.  Which will fly direct to St Mary’s and Tresco from the new, purpose-built heliport in Penzance.

Heliport Is In A Good Location

The heliport site is positioned at near sea level for greater weather resilience.  Thus offering the fastest, most convenient mainland to Scilly connection in just 15 minutes!

Managing Director of Sloane Helicopters, Jeremy Awenat. Image Sloan helicopters.

Flying six days a week.  Managing Director of Sloane Helicopters, Jeremy Awenat said, “We see it as our responsibility to deliver a robust and resilient direct airlink.  And despite unforeseen international delays, our commitment stands and the service for Scilly will launch as planned.

Our Penzance Helicopters service will be of great benefit to both islanders and visitors. Much improving connectivity to the Isles of Scilly.”

Penzance Helicopters will re-introduce a reliable helicopter airlink for the Isles of Scilly.  Which is seen as vital for both connectivity and the visitor tourism economy. Both on Scilly and for the area of west Cornwall.

Almost the last flight from St Mary’s back in November 2012 operated by BIH.

The former rotary wing service operated by British International Helicopters ended back in 2012.  Since then passengers have had to use a fixed wing service.  That ran from Lands End Airport. Some ten miles away from Penzance or use the Scillonian ferry that departs from Penzance Harbour to St Mary’s. The ferry takes just under 3 hours.