Prince William-backed helicopter company profits rise

Airbus Helicopters opened a new £50m headquarters and factory facilities at Oxford Airport in Yarnton.

Opened in September 2024 by Prince William, Airbus Helicopters employs around 250 people in Oxford and has room for 32 helicopters.

New accounts published by the company shows the business reported an annual profit of £10.1m in the calendar year 2025 also its first full year from Oxford.

This was up 13 per cent from £8.9m the year before.

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Airbus Helicopters said this profit was boosted by a £2.5m foreign exchange gain and was despite a drop in turnover.

“The company has now completed its first full year of operations at the new, larger hangar facility at London Oxford Airport, following the move in July 2024 and the commencement of a 25-year lease agreement,” said Yann Rozo of Airbus Helicopters in a report.

“The company would like to recognise the positive contribution of its customers, employees and other stakeholders in achieving the results of 2025 and looks to further enhance these relationships during 2026.”

Revenue for 2025 was at £138.9m compared with £158.6m the year before.

The decrease in turnover compared to the prior year has been attributed to the timing of aircraft deliveries and the expiry of a Ministry of Defence contract.

Airbus completes helicopters built in France and Germany at its Oxford site before selling on to customers including the National Police Air Service.