Buckingham Palace has stood by the Royal Family’s frequent use of helicopters despite reports that their helicopter fleet logged an impressive 58,000 miles over nine months. The Firm’s two new AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters, operational since early 2025, have collectively flown royal members an equivalent of two trips around the globe in less than a year. Flight data shows that between February 25 and the end of November, these aircraft clocked 420 hours in the air, with one helicopter flying on 142 out of 279 days in that period.
Addressing concerns raised by The Telegraph, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson emphasized the vital role helicopters play in enabling the royals to access remote locations efficiently and fulfill multiple royal duties in a single day, optimizing their travel impact. The spokesperson noted, “Helicopters are essential for royal travel, providing access to remote areas in the U.K. not easily reachable by other means of transport, allowing the Royal family to engage in numerous commitments daily.” The Mirror has reached out to Buckingham Palace for further comments.
Princess Anne emerged as the top user of the new helicopter fleet, making 68 stops at her Gatcombe Park residence in Gloucestershire, reflecting her consistent high level of public engagements throughout the year. Additionally, Prince William utilized the helicopters for 52 stops between Windsor and Forest Lodge, their new residence since October, where he and Princess Kate relocated with their children. Reports indicate that the Princess of Wales flew solo for engagements, while also undertaking joint duties with William aboard the new helicopters in 2025.
In June 2024, it was announced that the Royal household would receive two new leased helicopters to replace aging Sikorsky aircraft, with a commitment to maximizing their utilization. Tim Fauchon, CEO of the British Helicopter Association (BHA), praised the King for setting an example by opting for environmentally friendly aviation practices.
An official highlighted the significance of helicopters as a crucial tool for ensuring the visibility of the King and other family members across the U.K. Asked about reducing helicopter usage, the official stressed the importance of maximizing aircraft utilization to justify the investment and avoid inefficient spending.
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