Air Harrods Adds an Agusta

Air Harrods started commercial charter operation with its new Agusta A109E Power Elite last week. The aircraft was flown from Milan to London Stansted by Air Harrods' general manager and chief pilot, Steve Tierney, in four 'easy' stages.

The five seat helicopter is already fully booked for the British Formula 1 Grand Prix race at Silverstone and the Goodwood Festival of Speed later in the summer. "Interest has been considerable," said Tierney.

The ride is very smooth, according to Tieney, as the aircraft incorporates fluidlastic vibration rods attached to the main transmission, which virtually eliminates vibration from the main rotor to the passenger cabin. Three millimeter thick Paulstra sound proofing, which is a sponge like material, makes for a very quiet ride, he added.

By Mike Vines