Flexjet Debuts New Private Helicopter Division with Bentley Bacalar-Inspired Helicopters

Helicopter Access Available in Fractional, Lease or Charter Solutions.

Tho month ago, Flexjet, one of the largest and most innovative fractional jet providers, launched its private helicopter division, integrating Associated Aircraft Group (AAG), which was acquired by parent Directional Aviation, into the Flexjet group. Flexjet will extend complimentary helicopter transfers to its Gulfstream G650 fractional Owners, and will sell add-on fractional, lease and charter access in Flexjet-branded Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. The new division provides on-demand transportation regionally as well as last-mile transport for Owners of Flexjet aircraft traveling from airports to their final destinations, a unique door-to-door travel solution not available through any other provider in the U.S.

Flexjet LLC showcases a Sikorsky S-76 from its new private helicopter division on the golf course at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering.

“By showcasing one of our private helicopters at The Quail, not only will we be able to introduce the division to our current aircraft Owners, but we will be able to connect this automotive-focused audience with our LXi interior inspired by the Bentley Mulliner Bacalar sportscar,” said Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro. “And like the Bacalar, of which there are no two alike, we will only be using this interior in one of our helicopters and one of our Gulfstream G650 aircraft.”

The Bacalar Project, which is the name given to this unique interior, has never before been viewed by the public. It is inspired by Bentley’s rarest two-door open air motorcar of which only 12 in the world have been manufactured to the specifications of each buyer.

The design elements of this interior include:

The 5,000-year-old Riverwood that forms the wraparound dashboard of the Bacalar, inspired one of the matching wood veneer species used in this aircraft interior.

The rare paint color option of Julep, used for one of the Bacalar’s, inspired a one-time change to the Flexjet livery chameleon paint – normally a red-gold chameleon – but for this aircraft and helicopter is a silver-green chameleon.

The copperhead shape and basketweave stitching on the white leather and black trimmed seats of the Bacalar automobile inspired the custom captain’s seats in the Gulfstream G650 and the seats in the Sikorsky S-76.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is known for the vintage automobiles and motorcycles as well as the luxury lifestyle and culinary offerings including caviar, oysters, fine wines, specialty cocktails and more.

The general public must enter a lottery for a chance to purchase tickets for this exclusive event. And for those fortunate enough to win the lottery, ticket prices start at $950.

At the 71st Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, car enthusiasts celebrate the automobile and have the privilege of observing a competition of collector cars on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. They are judged on their elegance, technical merit and history. Flexjet’s observation suite sits on the golf course’s 18th hole, just steps away from the judge’s table.

Flexjet’s Eli Flint has been promoted to President of the Flexjet private helicopter division, leading the nearly 50 former AAG sales managers, mechanics, operations team members and pilots. He brings more than 25 years of aviation experience to this new role. The division is expected to grow domestically and in Europe over the next five years as point-to-point vertical aviation demand increases worldwide.

The Flexjet fleet will now include the Sikorsky S-76, one of the most respected and longest running-production helicopters, with a heritage of more than 40 years and 7.5 million hours of safe flight. These private helicopters are outfitted with a seating configuration for up to six passengers plus two pilots. The aircraft can fly at 155 knots per hour and has a range of 300 nautical miles.

Flexjet helicopter operations are seasonally located in the Northeastern states and in Florida throughout the year providing connections between airports and city centers as well as short-haul regional destinations such as conventions, music festivals and other sport and entertainment events.

“I know how important this time-saving program will be to Flexjet’s busy fractional jet Owners and I am proud to lead this group of aviation professionals,” said Flint, who is type rated in several business jets and until recently was a leader in private jet sales for Flexjet working in the Southeast market. “I also want to assure our Owners that, since safety is a priority at Flexjet, the helicopter division will have the same level of oversight, resources and industry credentials as our jet fleet.”

Some helicopter safety elements include:

Each helicopter has a series of double redundancies for enhanced safety with twin engines, dual autopilot systems and two S-76-certified, highly trained Flexjet pilots.

The helicopter Safety Management System (SMS), through Baldwin Safety, includes a preflight risk assessment program, a hazard reporting system and a customized landing zone survey conducted for off-airport operations, allowing Owners additional flexibility in their flying.

The helicopter division has the same operational oversights for weather and performance planning as Flexjet’s jet program, with conservative margins designed for safety and peace of mind.