Helicentre
Helicentre is a CAA-approved UK helicopter flight school and charter operator with bases at Liverpool and Manchester, offering PPL(H) and CPL(H) training, trial lessons, charter, and helicopter sales/management across piston and turbine fleets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersLiverpool, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Helicentre does
Helicentre Liverpool Limited is a UK-based helicopter services company operating as a Civil Aviation Authority Approved Training Organisation (ATO) from its headquarters at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and a secondary base at Manchester City Airport (Barton Aerodrome). Founded in 2005 under parent Helicentre Holdings Limited, the company provides commercial and private helicopter pilot training (PPL(H), CPL(H), type ratings, night qualifications, and specialized courses including mountain flying, Robinson safety, and London helicopter lanes), alongside charter, aerial photography, trial lessons, pleasure flights, and helicopter sales and management services. All commercial operations are flown by wholly owned subsidiary Kingmoor Aviation Limited, which holds EASA Air Operators Certificate (AOC) No GB2208, and the firm employs CAA-authorized in-house Flight Examiners and Type Rating Examiners enabling on-site skills testing.
The company operates a fleet of approximately 9 helicopters across 6 types spanning piston and turbine classes (Robinson R22, R44, R66, and Airbus AS350, AS355, EC120, EC135), supported by the Liverpool base's full controlled-airspace infrastructure (ATC, radar, dedicated helicopter strip, 24-hour customs) and the Manchester base's uncontrolled airspace training environment. Revenue is generated through four primary streams: flight training (professional services, course packages), charter services (transaction-based, operated under AOC), trial lessons and experience flights (unit-priced £135–£1,380 per person), and helicopter sales/management (professional services with optional leasing into training and charter). Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via website e-commerce shop, phone sales, and walk-in bookings at both bases, with additional event-driven outreach for corporate events, weddings, and racing venues (Aintree, Haydock, Cheltenham, Silverstone). Geographic reach spans the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, and Northern Europe, with marketing primarily through the company's own website and organic social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube).
Helicentre firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Helicentre
- Legal name
- Helicentre Liverpool Limited
- Website
- https://helicentre.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Helicentre is a CAA-approved UK helicopter flight school and charter operator with bases at Liverpool and Manchester, offering PPL(H) and CPL(H) training, trial lessons, charter, and helicopter sales/management across piston and turbine fleets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Helicentre industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Helicopter Training and Charter Services
- NAICS
- Flight Training (611512), Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Helicopter Charter & Sightseeing (TLAFABAH), On-Demand Helicopter Charter (Private/Corporate) (TLAFACAB), VIP/Executive Helicopter Transport (THABAGAH), Helicopter Sightseeing & Scenic Tours (TLAFACAD)
Keywords
Where Helicentre is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Liverpool
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Helicentre business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Flight Training: Commercial and private helicopter flight training including PPL(H), CPL(H), type ratings, night qualifications, and specialized courses (mountain flying, London helicopter lanes, Robinson safety). Revenue generated through hourly flight instruction, ground school fees, and course packages.
- Charter Services: VIP and utility helicopter charter flights for business travel, weddings, aerial photography/filming, and corporate events. Operates under EASA Air Operators Certificate (AOC) No GB2208 through subsidiary Kingmoor Aviation Ltd.
- Trial Lessons and Experience Flights: Individual and group helicopter experience flights, trial lessons, and pleasure flights available from Liverpool and Manchester bases. Products include 15-minute to 60-minute flight experiences priced per person.
- Helicopter Sales and Management: Helicopter sales assistance and management services including licensing, maintenance advice, pilot services, aircraft handling, hangarage, and financial guidance. Can optimize helicopter use through leasing for training and charter.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 15-Minute Experience Flight (Manchester) - 3 Person Group |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Liverpool City Helicopter Flight - 20 Minute Pleasure Flight |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Four Seat 30-Minute Trial Lesson (Liverpool/Manchester) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Four Seat 60-Minute Trial Lesson (Liverpool/Manchester) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Five Seat Jet Turbine 30-Minute Trial Lesson (Liverpool) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Five Seat Jet Turbine 60-Minute Trial Lesson (Liverpool) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Helicopter Adventure Packages (Manchester/Liverpool to Catton Hall) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Helicentre product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Helicentre is a North West England-based helicopter services company providing commercial and private helicopter flight training (PPL(H), CPL(H), type ratings, night qualifications, specialized courses), helicopter charter services (VIP, business, wedding, aerial photography, corporate events), trial lessons and pleasure flights, helicopter sales assistance, and full helicopter management. Operations are delivered from two bases at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester City Airport using a fleet of 9 helicopters across 6 types, with all commercial flights operated under EASA Air Operators Certificate (AOC) No GB2208 by its wholly owned subsidiary Kingmoor Aviation Limited.
Product overview
Helicentre is a helicopter services company operating as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) under the Civil Aviation Authority, offering commercial and private helicopter training as well as charter, surveying, helicopter sales, and management. The company operates a modern fleet of piston and turbine helicopters (Robinson R44 Raven II, Airbus AS350, Airbus AS355) from bases at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester City Airport. Core services include flight training programs (PPL(H), CPL(H), night ratings, type ratings, mountain flying, Robinson safety, London Helicopter Lanes), helicopter charter (business, weddings, aerial photography, corporate events), trial lessons and pleasure flights, and full helicopter management. All commercial operations are flown by Kingmoor Aviation Ltd under EASA Air Operators Certificate (AOC) No GB2208.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Helicopter Flight Training Comprehensive helicopter flight training programs including PPL(H), CPL(H), night ratings, type ratings, mountain flying, Robinson safety, and London helicopter lanes courses, delivered as an EASA Approved Training Organisation audited by the Civil Aviation Authority. For aspiring and licensed pilots seeking private or commercial helicopter licenses and additional qualifications.
- Helicopter Charter Services Personal and corporate helicopter charter services throughout the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, and Northern Europe, including VIP transport, business travel, weddings, and aerial photography/filming. For corporate clients, executive travelers, and wedding parties.
- Helicopter Sales Helicopter sales services helping customers find the right helicopter, complete transactions, and arrange ongoing support. For individuals and businesses seeking to purchase helicopters.
- Helicopter Management Professional helicopter management services including licensing and documentation, maintenance advice, pilot services, aircraft handling, hangarage, and financial guidance, with the option to lease aircraft for training and charter. For helicopter owners and operators.
- Private Pilots Licence PPL(H) Private helicopter pilot licence training under Visual Flight Rules, requiring minimum 45 hours (25 hours dual instruction, 10 hours supervised solo including 5 hours cross-country), with 30 structured exercises covering ground school and flight training. For individuals seeking a private helicopter pilot license.
- Commercial Flying Course (CPL(H)) Modular commercial pilot licence course training PPL(H) holders to commercial proficiency, requiring minimum 30 hours (20 hours handling/navigation, 10 hours simulated instrument), typically lasting 4 weeks full-time. For pilots seeking commercial helicopter licence.
- Type Rating Conversion Helicopter type conversion courses for pilots upgrading to different aircraft types, with minimum 5 flying hours, ground school, and on-site examiner for licensing skills tests. For licensed pilots seeking new aircraft type ratings.
- Night Qualification Course Night rating qualification enabling pilots to fly helicopters at night, comprising 5 hours theoretical knowledge, 10 hours dual instrument instruction, and 5 hours night training including solo circuits. For licensed pilots seeking night flying qualifications.
- Mountain Flying Course Specialized training for safely flying around mountains, utilizing proximity to the Snowdonia Mountain range from Liverpool base and Caernarfon Airport. For licensed pilots seeking mountain flying qualifications.
- Robinson Safety Course European Robinson Safety Course covering R22 and R44 accident review, helicopter theory, critical flight conditions, aircraft systems, and maintenance procedures, conducted over two days of ground school plus flight training. For pilots flying Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters.
- London Helicopter Lanes Training Training for navigating specified helicopter routes through London Heathrow airspace to Battersea Heliport, one of the world's most congested airspace corridors. For pilots seeking to operate in London helicopter lanes.
- Flight Examiner and Type Rating Examiner Services On-site team of Civil Aviation Authority-authorized Flight Examiners and Type Rating Examiners for conducting skills tests, proficiency checks, and company OPCs for helicopter public transport. For licensed pilots seeking skills testing and certification.
- Trial Lessons Helicopter trial lessons ranging from 30 to 60 minutes in both four-seat piston (Robinson R44 Raven II) and five-seat turbine (Airbus AS350) helicopters, departing from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester City Airport. For individuals seeking a hands-on helicopter flying experience.
- Liverpool City Helicopter Flight Twenty-minute scenic flight departing Liverpool John Lennon Airport showcasing landmarks including Sefton Park, Anfield Stadium, Goodison Park, Aintree Racecourse, and Knowsley Hall, operated in Robinson R44 Raven II. For individuals and groups seeking scenic flights.
- Chester and Cheshire Castles Tour From Manchester Approximately one-hour helicopter tour departing Manchester City Airport featuring Chester city, Eaton Hall, Cheshire plains, Peckforton Castle, Beeston Castle, and Bolesworth Castle. For individuals and groups seeking scenic tours.
- 3 Person 15 Minute Helicopter Experience Flight Manchester Group helicopter experience flight for three passengers departing Manchester City Airport with approximately 15 minutes flight time. For groups and individuals seeking a short helicopter experience.
- Helicopter Adventure Packages Adventure packages combining helicopter flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport or Manchester City Airport to Catton Hall with outdoor activities including archery, air rifling, quad biking, clay shooting, and paintballing. For corporate team building, private groups, and gift experiences.
Quantifiable outcome
- Strong 'first attempt' pass rate for pilot training courses
Companies that use Helicentre
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Helicentre technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Helicentre partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Catton HallminorAdventure activity partnership with Catton Hall specialist outdoor activity centre in Cheshire countryside. Helicentre provides helicopter transport to/from Catton Hall combined with outdoor activities including archery, air rifling, quad biking, clay shooting, and paintballing. Partnership targets corporate team building, private groups, and gift experiences.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Helicentre competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- JCB Air: UK helicopter charter and management company serving corporate and private clients. Comparable on the charter and aircraft management side of Helicentre's business.
- PDG Helicopters: UK-based helicopter flight training and charter operator serving private and commercial pilots. Comparable integrated training and charter model targeting the same UK pilot market as Helicentre.
- Specialist Aviation Services: UK helicopter training, charter and management company based in the North of England. Highly comparable geographic footprint and integrated service offering to Helicentre.
- Helicopter Services Ltd: UK helicopter training school and charter operator providing commercial and private pilot training, type ratings, and charter across the UK. Directly comparable on the training/certifications side of Helicentre's business.
- British Helicopter Training: UK helicopter flight training organization focused on commercial and private pilot licensing. Directly comparable training portfolio to Helicentre's PPL(H) and CPL(H) offerings.
- Premiair Aviation: UK helicopter charter and management operator providing VIP transport, corporate charter and event services. Closely comparable to Helicentre's charter, VIP and wedding service lines.
- Castle Air Ltd: UK-based helicopter training, charter, and management operator offering PPL(H) and CPL(H) courses plus charter services, with bases at multiple UK locations. Closest direct competitor to Helicentre's integrated training-plus-charter model in the UK light helicopter market.
- Sloane Helicopters: UK helicopter sales, management, charter and training provider with decades of experience. Comparable to Helicentre on the charter, sales and management offerings, with overlapping Airbus helicopter expertise.
Others
- Airbus Helicopters UK: UK arm of the major helicopter OEM, providing type rating training, support, and aircraft sales for the AS350/AS355/EC120 families that Helicentre operates. Enabling/ecosystem relationship as both supplier and training reference partner.
Broad incumbents
- Bristow Helicopters: Large UK-based helicopter operator providing offshore oil and gas crew change, search and rescue, and charter services. Adjacent incumbent in UK commercial helicopter operations, with broader scale and offshore specialization versus Helicentre's North West training/charter focus.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Helicentre social profiles
Digital presenceHelicentre financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Helicentre leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Helicentre subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Helicentre funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Helicentre M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Helicentre
What does Helicentre do?
Helicentre is a North West England-based helicopter services company providing commercial and private helicopter flight training (PPL(H), CPL(H), type ratings, night qualifications, specialized courses), helicopter charter services (VIP, business, wedding, aerial photography, corporate events), trial lessons and pleasure flights, helicopter sales assistance, and full helicopter management. Operations are delivered from two bases at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester City Airport using a fleet of 9 helicopters across 6 types, with all commercial flights operated under EASA Air Operators Certificate (AOC) No GB2208 by its wholly owned subsidiary Kingmoor Aviation Limited.
Is Helicentre a public or private company?
Helicentre is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Helicentre founded?
Helicentre was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Helicentre based?
Helicentre is headquartered in Liverpool, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Helicentre make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Flight Training is the primary driver. The others are charter Services, trial Lessons and Experience Flights and helicopter Sales and Management.
Who are Helicentre's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are JCB Air, PDG Helicopters, Specialist Aviation Services, Helicopter Services Ltd, British Helicopter Training, Premiair Aviation, Castle Air Ltd and Sloane Helicopters. Airbus Helicopters UK is listed as an others. Bristow Helicopters is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Helicentre have an API?
No public API is recorded for Helicentre.
What industry is Helicentre in?
Helicentre's product category is Helicopter Training and Charter Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THABAFAJ, Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services, with a secondary code of TLAFABAH, Helicopter Charter & Sightseeing. Its NAICS code is 611512.