A HELICOPTER firm has landed at new premises in Hampshire

Phoenix Helicopters is the first firm to take up residence in the new purpose-built business hangars at Solent Airport a Lee-on-the-Solent, formerly the Daedalus naval air base.

The firm has more than nine years’ experience in pilot training, charter and pleasure flying. It has eight helicopters operating between two bases, – Solnt and Blackbushe, near Camberley – and operates seven days a week.

Phoenix was already an existing tenant at Daedalus but has now taken up residence in the new hangars.

Fareham Borough Council has invested over £30m in Solent Airport and business parks, since it took ownership of the airport in 2015.

Tenants now have access to office and workshop space within the newly extended Fareham Innovation Centre.

New roads, bespoke industrial units and 11 new hangars for business and general aviation use are all new additions.

The council says the investment has securing around 600 jobs of the 3,500 target for the Solent Enterprise Zone.

Paul Andrews, managing director of Phoenix Helicopters said: “We are pleased to be part of the early expansion of Solent Airport and to be the first ever helicopter flying school located here. The great location and facilities will enable us to continue to grow and we have many exciting plans for the future.”

Council Leader, Seán Woodward, said: “We are delighted to welcome Phoenix Helicopters to Daedalus and see it as a marker of what a success Daedalus has become. The airport continues to go from strength to strength.”

Space is still available at the Solent Airport hangars and is managed by commercial property agents Lambert Smith Hampton.