Captain Justin Wood has been named general manager of the new Penzance Helicopters site, which will begin flights in March 2020 as the only direct helicopter service for the Isles of Scilly. He was a pilot for the previous Penzance helicopter service until is ceased in 2012.
Penzance Helicopters has also launched a new islander’s discount scheme for the Isles of Scilly. The RHTC will provide residents with a 15 per cent reduction in airfares all year round – to support greater connectivity and reliability for the islands’ community. The new Scilly helicopter service will fly direct from the purpose-built heliport in Penzance to both St Mary’s and Tresco in 15 minutes aboard a modern AW139 helicopter.
Wood, who has long since championed the services’ return, began his career in the Royal Navy and has experience flying Sea King and Lynx Helicopters, as well as the AW139 that will operate between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly next year.
“Re-establishing the helicopter link to the Isles of Scilly will be the highlight of my career,” said Wood. “It’s a great pleasure to be part of the team bringing a fast and convenient service to Scilly, benefitting both island communities and visitors alike. The Residents Helicopters Travel Club is our new initiative which we hope will help our local residents benefit from the new service.”
