“This is a hugely significant announcement for both companies, one that will allow us to develop and realise its potential for in a way that simply wasn’t possible in the past,” said Capital Air Charter Managing Director and Chief Pilot Malcolm Humphries. “Being part of the Rigby Group will enable us to capitalise on opportunities that we were simply unable to grasp in the past.”

Rigby Group, which under its British International Helicopters (BIH) brand already represents one of UK’s largest domestically owned commercial aviation and offshore helicopter services companies, plans to grow Capital Air Charter’s market share extensively over the next few years and to develop both its aero medical services and its contracted charter capabilities.

Capital Air Ambulance operates the air ambulance service in Guernsey, and also provides emergency back-up to the medical services in Jersey and the Isle of Man. It also has standing relationships with a number of brokerages supplying emergency repatriation services to Britons injured abroad. The services are run by 35 full time staff in Exeter, Jersey and the Isle of Man, with a roster of over 70 part-time medical staff available on call. They currently operate eight aircraft: five Piper Chieftains and three King Air Turboprop craft.

Capital Air Charter Finance Director Lisa Humphries commented: “While this is undoubtedly a pivotal moment in the business’ history, for our existing customers it will feel very much like business as usual. We will continue to deliver the high standards and approach to service that has made us the region’s number one charter operator, and will carry that ethos forward as our membership of the Rigby Group enables expansion across the operation.”