The Yellow Helicopters Story
Yellow Helicopters is part of the Isle of Man-based private helicopter management company Luviair Limited, with over 20 years of helicopter management experience, providing world-class commercial flying across the Isle of Man.
The company offers a range of services, including sightseeing tours, private charters, aerial photography, and bespoke corporate experiences. In addition, Yellow Helicopters offers flying lessons, enabling customers to fly the helicopter themselves and work towards their pilots’ licence if they so choose.
Based at The Jet Centre at Ronaldsway Airport, the Yellow Helicopters team is headed up by Nigel Watson, Founder and Company Director, and includes a small and dedicated team of pilots and aviation specialists. Yellow Helicopters operate under an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and transport license issued by the UK CAA – AOC GB2459.
The Helicopter
Yellow Helicopters’ signature yellow branding is proudly displayed on its Robinson R44 helicopter (registered G-LVIE), which is one of the most popular tour helicopters in the world and seats up to three passengers, with a cruise speed of up to 110mph.
The Story
The registration LVIE was chosen for two reasons; ‘LVIE’ is similar to the French word ‘La Vie’ meaning ‘life’ and bears a close resemblance to Nigel’s daughter’s name Olivia who has recently joined the team. The helicopter was bought just after Nigel was diagnosed with bowel cancer. During this difficult time, he decided to expand the existing Luviair business and pursue his lifelong dream of owning his own helicopter, which could also provide a pleasure heli-tours offering to Manx residents and visitors. After receiving treatment on Island and overcoming his illness, Nigel, alongside his existing team, family (and Spike the Mascot!) worked tirelessly to build the company and the brand, creating a diverse and unique Heli-tours package that would appeal to a range of customers – and thus Yellow Helicopters was born.
Your Pilots
The Yellow Helicopters Pilots, Jonny (Above) & Will (below), are hands down the Island’s best Heli-tour guides! They joined the team in April 2019 and brought a wealth of experience from various previous roles, including over a thousand hours flying in Europe. Although they are both based elsewhere, Will and Jonny have fallen for the Island’s charm and provide Yellow Helicopter customers with a unique and thrilling opportunity to experience the Isle of Man from a whole new perspective. Tours sights include stunning coastline views, aerial views of our towns and villages, and breathtaking vistas over Snaefell Mountain.
Spike
Spike the lion is Yellow Helicopters’ newest recruit and crew member. Spike, the company mascot, accompanies every Yellow Helicopter flight and has travelled the world both with the G-LVIE and Luviair’s larger private helicopter management fleet. Spike takes safety seriously and always ensures clients have an exciting, comfortable, and safe flying experience.
Ready for take-off? Let’s have a conversation and kick-start your aerial adventure today.
