First time buyers looking to acquire a good secondhand helicopter with nothing to trade in will find some great deals available in today’s market, according to PremiAir. The company is maximising its presence at Europe’s leading helicopter show, HeliTech (Stand 1206) at Duxford this week to showcase a number of aircraft that sister company PremiAir Global has for sale.

For example, in its 22-strong portfolio it has a VIP Sikorsky S76A+ for sale - the first executive S76A to be delivered to Europe back in 1980. The aircraft was later converted to an A+ and has always operated in the UK on the G register.  Offered with fresh exterior paint scheme and refurbished interior for US$1.5 million, this really is an ideal buying opportunity at a significant 40% discount on pricing compared with this time last year.

PremiAir Global has a diverse inventory of executive helicopters and fixed wing aircraft on its books. It is also marketing a limited edition Eurocopter EC135 designed in association with Hermes, the French design and fashion house.  That aircraft is positioned in Abu Dhabi where PremiAir is seeing increased interest among potential buyers.

“Inventory levels of pre-owned aircraft on the market have stabilised over the past few months – a sea change from what we have observed over the last 18 months,” said PremiAir Global’s Managing Director Tim Blockley. “This could be the beginning of the end of the downturn and the remainder of 2009 may well present some excellent opportunities to purchase high quality machines at attractive prices.

We are representing four helicopters which can be considered “almost new,” including the EC135 Hermes, two VIP AS365N3’s and a superbly equipped offshore configured AW139. We are also dealing with a greater number of enquiries now that the summer holiday season is over.”