Patriot Aviation and Heliflight are now fully integrated
Patriot Aviation, the Cranfield and Gloucester based helicopter and fixedwing aviation business owned by Midlands entrepreneur Sir Peter Rigby, hasacquired Heliflight (UK) Limited, the Gloucester and Wolverhampton basedhelicopter flying training and charter business.Sir Peter’s intention is to retain the two brands but to consolidateaircraft sales of Cessna fixed wing aircraft, Schweizer and otherhelicopter brands under the Patriot banner, whilst opening sales offices atGloucester and Wolverhampton. Helicopter engineering will also be consolidated with a new base to be opened at Gloucester, whilst flying training and charter will be consolidated under the Heliflight brand. Heliflight will also extend its operations from Gloucester andWolverhampton to Cranfield.Commenting on the deal, Sir Peter Rigby said, “Undoubtedly, Patriot andHeliflight have seen sound trading in recent months with many UK aircraftowners realising the value of their aircraft in the euro zone, with thehelp of our sales operation. Moving forward, Patriot’s engineeringcapability in particular has the opportunity to grow into new regions,whilst demand remains strong for Heliflight’s flying training andhelicopter charter work.”An enthusiastic fixed wing and helicopter pilot, Sir Peter always had astrong interest in aviation and a wish to carry over his businessprinciples and customer service ethic to an aviation business.Heliflight (UK) Ltd was established in 1996 at Halfpenny Green Airport nearWolverhampton. With a mission to provide high quality professionalhelicopter hire and flight training, Heliflight soon grew to establishitself at Gloucestershire airport and now flies from both airports. There are 11 flying instructors at the two airports and a comprehensive range ofhelicopters that are used for both hire and training helicopter pilots. Heliflight has 15 helicopters in total, ranging from the Robinson R22 to the Executive Augusta A109.Heliflight will continue to be managed by Jon Lane, who has run thebusiness since its inception and is a seasoned professional pilot andmanager.
