Corporate and executive transport helicopters

Private executive aircraft have been the sign of success and wealth for decades. Business jets providing extravagant service race around the world, yet still leave the affluent passenger with an arduous car ride. Luxury helicopters not only provide time-saving transportation, but allow passengers to conduct business using breakthrough connectivity not available even a few years ago.

So far, in 2026, there have been no newly certified VIP helicopters, although not for a lack of trying. Two government shutdowns certainly played a part, but the OEMs have not been idle. Upgrades seem to be the change agent in the helicopter world, including several models sporting Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, and Versace editions. The corporate executive has a wide range of options, depending on the flight department’s budget. They include everything from small 4-seat, short-haul rides to helicopters with extended range, features that rival today’s bizjets, and passenger compartments the size of a small living room. Let’s hover through the manufacturers and see what flies.

Airbus

Of all the OEMs, Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) has the largest selection of helos for corporate and executive travel. From island hopping to superyacht helipads, ACH has the variety. Luxury car manufacturers have partnered with Airbus to create the Aston Martin edition for the ACH130 and the Mercedes-Benz ACH145. In between the ACH145 and Airbus’s largest luxury helicopter lies the ACH 160 with the Helionix avionics suite giving an all-in-one view of appropriate data whenever the flight crew needs it. A pair of Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines develop 1280 shp each, propelling the H160 to a max cruise speed of 155 kts.

If you need more room, Airbus’s roomiest luxury helicopter is the ACH175.  Boasting the latest Helionix flight deck, which features advanced intuitive software, a synthetic vision system (SVS), and 4-axis autopilot, the ACH175 is powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E engines and cruises at 151 kts. The ACH175’s max gross weight of 17,196 lb supports the most extravagant interior.

Bell

As with most manufacturers, Bell’s aircraft are equally at home as a work horse or transporting executives in luxury. On the Bell 407, normal seating configuration is 6 passengers, but it can be configured with a VIP interior.  The flight crew will enjoy the Garmin G1000H NXi integrated flight deck with SVS and terrain awareness warning.  A single Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 dual-channel FADEC turbine engine adjusts power automatically, providing a maximum cruise speed of 133 kts.

For a little more speed and space, the light twin Bell 429 provides a max cruise of 150 kts and max gross weight of 7000 lb. The advanced single-pilot IFR cockpit sports 2 displays, with an optional 3rd display for the Bell BasiX-Pro 2nd Generation with Garmin GTN 750/GTN 650. Equipped with the Bell automatic flight control system (AFCS) featuring redundant digital flight control computers, the 429 comes with a 3-axis autopilot with an option for 4-axis capability with dual flight directors. A pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1 engines feature electrically-controlled FADEC, providing redundancy and power.

Waiting in the wings is the Bell 525 Relentless, which will serve the offshore industry well but will also provide a cavernous clean canvas for a palatial luxury statement. Bell expects FAA certification soon for the industry’s first fly-by-wire (FBW) helicopter with a side stick control. The 525 boasts the Garmin G5000H avionics system with the first touchscreen glass flight deck designed for helicopters. Pilots will enjoy a 160-kt max cruise speed and a max gross weight of 20,500 lb. Dual General Electric CT7-2F1 engines power the sleek high-performance helicopter, which will no doubt turn heads once certified.

Leonardo

One of the most stylish luxury helicopters is the AW109 GrandNew. It comes in several luxury interior options, including the AW109 Grand Versace edition. The iconic fashion house designed the hand-crafted leather interior. The AW109 Versace edition sports a custom exterior finish featuring the Versace brand pattern. Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206C turbines propel the GrandNew to a max cruise speed of 153 kts. An advanced state-of-the-art glass cockpit is centered around the Chelton FlightLogic SVS and EFIS system, allowing single- or dual-pilot IFR operations. A 4-axis autopilot, dual-duplex digital AFCS with an integrated flight director reduces pilot workload.

Other helicopters available from Leonardo for the luxury VIP role are the AW139, AW169, and AW189 family. The 3 aircraft are scaled to the customer’s needs, each providing room for the most demanding taste.  A pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada engines power the AW139 and AW169, while the AW189 can be fitted with the customer’s choice of 2 General Electric CT7-2E1 or 2 Safran Aneto-1K engines. All 3 models feature full digital glass cockpit, 4-axis dual digital autopilot, and standard SVS, with the AW139 avionics package centered around the highly advanced Honeywell Primus Epic system.

Leonardo continues to strive for certification for the first civilian tiltrotor aircraft – the AW609. The advantages of a tiltrotor are obvious, allowing vertical takeoff from remote locations combined with cruise speeds up to 275 kts and pressurized flight up to 25,000 ft. Once certified, the AW609 will be powered by twin P&WC PT6C-67A engines with FADEC. Leonardo has selected a triple-redundant digital FBW flight control system and Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics.

MD

Two helicopter models are available from MD Helicopters – the MD 500E and the MD 530F. The 500E is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine, while the 530F is powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 for better performance in hot-and-high environments. The cockpit is equipped with Garmin G500H TXi EFIS, Garmin GTN 650Xi GPS/nav/com to provide excellent situational awareness. VIP interiors are available for an elevated experience.

Robinson

The R66 is Robinson’s turbine helicopter. Powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300, it features a 2- or 3-axis Garmin autopilot, Garmin G500H GDU 1060/700P TXi and Garmin GTN 750 TXi nav/com.

On the drawing board is the OEM’s newest design – the R88. It will be powered by an Arriel 2W engine and present an advanced avionics suite – a Garmin system with touchscreens and a 4-axis Garmin autopilot.

Sikorsky

The company that set the bar for VIP transport with the S-76 continues to provide helicopters fully capable of serving in offshore, utility, and VIP transport. Sikorsky halted production of the S-76D in Mar 2022, but continues to support owners with parts and service. The S-92, first certified in Dec 2002, is the perfect platform to build a quintessential luxury transport. Of all the helicopters covered, the S-92 is the only helicopter with a stand-up cabin and more than sufficient space to create the perfect luxury helicopter. The US Marine Corps’ VH-92A Patriot now serves as POTUS transport, and other S-92s perform the critical mission of flying heads of state. 

With more than 24 years of production of the S-92, Sikorsky is upgrading the platform with the S-92A+ variant.  Twin General Electric CT7-8A6 engines will provide additional power for hot-and-high environments. A Collins/Sikorsky avionics management system uses a glass cockpit with triple redundant systems to reduce pilot workload.

Helicopters continue to be time machines for corporate, VIP, and wealthy travelers who demand the ultimate in luxurious surroundings.  Whether it is a 4-seat little bird or a stand-up aerial living room, helicopters can transform into a luxury flying carpet for those who can afford them.