Penzance Heliport Lifts Off Again And Again!
The UK’s only schedule passenger helicopter service has once again taken to the air from Penzance Heliport.
After 8 years this unique and vital ferry was once again flying the 38 miles direct to the Isles of Scilly from Penzance.
And, for me it was even more special as I was the first passenger to make this new journey.
The last day of operating passenger flights from Penzance Heliport October 2012.
A trip I had made in reverse. As on the very last day that the former service then operated by British International Helicopters I flew back to the mainland. That was in October of 2012.
Travel Writer Geoff Moore, centre with wife Suzanne were the first passengers on the new service.
Champagne Start To New Service
As I boarded the new helicopter at Penzance I was presented with a bottle of champagne. Managing Director of Sloane Helicopters Jeremy Awenat handed over the gift.
With media filming on Tuesday 17th March 2020 my wife and I plus another couple were privileged to have made that first landmark 15minute flight to St Mary’s.
Media send off at Penzance Heliport on the March 17th.
The brand-new Penzance Heliport has been under construction for a couple of years. It was part funded by a contribution from the European Union. With another very local key investor. Owner of the Tresco Estate on the Isles of Scilly, Robert Dorrien-Smith backed the project.
Both St Mary’s And Tresco Are Destinations
As well as flying to the island of St Mary’s there are also flights going direct to Tresco. Which, is also very popular with holiday makers to the islands. Being that the pretty island is peppered with holiday cottages and several time share properties too.
Heading into St Mary’s on the first helicopter flight to return to the islands.
The return of this aerial connection has been applauded by the residents of the islands. They whom seem to appreciate the additional resilience that a helicopter brings to the transport links for the islands. Those currently being a fixed wing plane service. And, a ferry ship both owned by another company.
Penzance Heliport ready for its passengers.
Having an independent passenger travel option is seen by the hotels and many holiday businesses as vital. Plus, with the helicopter often being able to operate in poor weather when the other services cannot. This helps to keep the islands connected at all times. But for when storm and hurricane type conditions persist having the helicopter available is an advantage.
That’s me heading back the Isles of Scilly on the first new helicopter flight.
Covid19 Hits Penzance Heliport Twice
Although the new service was supposed to be operated by a Leonardo AW139 helicopter. However, the aircraft got caught up in the Coronavirus incident in China and therefore could not be brought back to the UK.
In the meantime, Sloane Helicopters had provided two smaller AW109’s. They will be flying on the routes until the 12-seater AW139 makes it to Penzance in the near future.
The year-round service in normal times could operate up to 17 flights a day from Monday to Saturday. Soft, flexible type bags and not hard, stiff cases are to be used by passengers, who will have 20kilogram allowance for all their luggage.
Justin Wood of Sloane helicopters at Penzance Heliport with one of the AW109’s
General Manager Penzance Heliport, Justin Wood said: “The location of the heliport is convenient for passengers travelling. Be that either by car or train. An electric shuttle bus can bring people directly from the station in around 5 minutes. With plenty of onsite parking plus a number electric charging bays for different vehicle types. Owners can even charge whilst away on the islands.
Speaking of the experience Justin said: “It’s like a magic carpet ride. Passengers will be flying in a state-of-the-art machine. Plus, be treated to stunning views of the many pretty harbours. And the golden sand beaches of West Cornwall. Before arriving to the sight of white sand beaches around the Isles of Scilly.”
