Flying with Us · The Aircraft

The Sikorsky S-76.

Your aircraft

A nine-seat, twin-engine helicopter built for the crossing.

You fly to the Isles of Scilly aboard the Sikorsky S-76 — a twin-engine helicopter used worldwide for VIP transport, air ambulance and search-and-rescue work. A large, quiet cabin, panoramic windows and wide doors make the 15-minute flight as comfortable and accessible as the views are spectacular.

15 min

Penzance to the islands

Cruising at around 140 knots, you're over the islands before you've finished taking in the view.

9 seats

Every seat a window seat

A spacious twin-engine cabin where all passengers share the same sweeping outlook.

20 kg

Leading baggage allowance

One of the most generous inclusive allowances of any route to Scilly for return travel.

2 engines

Reliability built in

A 40-year reputation for performance, with twin-engine resilience over the water.

Specifications
Type
Sikorsky S-76
Configuration
Twin-engine, twin-pilot
Passenger seats
9
Cruise speed
≈ 140 knots (~160 mph)
Penzance → St Mary's
≈ 15 minutes
Penzance → Tresco
≈ 15 minutes (direct)
Cabin
Large, quiet, wide doors
In service since
A 40-year global track record

Figures are typical for the type and rounded for guidance. Wide cabin doors and step-free boarding assistance help make the aircraft as accessible as possible — see Heliport & Facilities for assistance at the terminal.

Our fleet on the live tracker

Our 2026 fleet numbers three Sikorsky S-76s. These are the two you'll most often see following the route in real time.

G-PNZE
Sikorsky S-76 · St Mary's & Tresco
Trackable
G-IOSH
Sikorsky S-76 · St Mary's & Tresco
Trackable
Follow your aircraft in the air. When one of our helicopters is airborne, you can watch it cross the bay in real time on the live tracker.
Open the live tracker

Baggage allowance

Your allowance depends on the fare you book. As baggage travels in the aircraft hold, soft-shell bags make the best use of the space and help us load quickly.

Return travel
20 kg included
Day-trip fare
5 kg — a small day pack
Scenic flight
No hold baggage
Best bag type
Soft-shell / holdall

Allowances shown for guidance — confirm specifics and any excess, pet or special-item arrangements in the FAQs or with the team on 01736 780828.

A Penzance Helicopters Sikorsky S-76 on the ground at the heliport
In safe hands

Operated by Starspeed.

Since November 2022, Penzance Helicopters has been operated by Starspeed — one of Europe's most established private and VIP helicopter companies, and part of the Luxaviation group. Between them, our pilot team holds well over a century of flying experience.

Founded in 1978, Starspeed has run varied and demanding helicopter operations in dozens of countries worldwide. On the Scilly route, that experience shows up as the thing that matters most to islanders and visitors alike: a service you can rely on.

How we keep you safe

Ready when you are.

Book your flight to the Isles of Scilly aboard the Sikorsky S-76.

Book your flight