Overview
- Flight records show roughly 420 flying hours between Feb. 25 and the end of November 2025, with about 340 trips using a one‑hour stop rule or around 700 when short stops are counted.
- At least one helicopter flew on 142 of 279 days in that period, including a nearly 500‑mile day on Nov. 25 linking RAF Odiham, Forest Lodge, Wales and Hawarden before returning to base.
- Princess Anne was the most frequent user with 68 stops at Gatcombe Park, while Prince William recorded 47 stops at Windsor plus several at Forest Lodge.
- The AW139s can operate on up to a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend, and the British Helicopter Association says the Royal Flight seeks SAF‑capable airfields despite higher cost.
- Royal travel is funded by the Sovereign Grant, which rose to £132.1 million for 2025–26; the latest report listed 141 helicopter journeys costing £475,290, a disclosure feeding scrutiny over frequency and value.