James Dyson, investor, engineer, philanthropist, farmer, has called the south west home for many years. living in Dodington Park near Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire with his Company Headquarters located in Malmesbury, Wiltshire with global expansion the need to be able to get to and from the many locations that Dyson operate from in a timely manner became essential this is why Dyson operate a fleet of Helicopters and Private Jets.
Dassault Falcon 900EX VP-CEZ
The Dassault Falcon 900EX is a long-range, tri-jet business aircraft that blends performance, luxury, and engineering precision. Introduced in 1996 as an evolution of the Falcon 900 series, the 900EX features three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines, each delivering 5,000 pounds of thrust, enabling a maximum range of approximately 4,500 nautical miles and a cruising speed around 459 knots. Its spacious cabin—stretching over 33 feet—comfortably accommodates up to 12 passengers, with a refined interior tailored for intercontinental travel. The aircraft’s all-glass flight deck, equipped with Honeywell Primus avionics, enhances situational awareness and operational efficiency. Known for its reliability and versatility, the 900EX remains a favorite among corporate operators and government fleets alike. Operating out of former Bristol-Filton Airfield Dassault Falcon 900EX VP-CEZ resided in the same hangar that Concorde G-BBDG once called home. The Falcon Operated for Profred Partners LLP from 2004 to 2006 being replaced by a Bombardier BD700 Global Express XRS .
Bombardier BD700 Global Express XRS G-LXRS
The Bombardier BD700 Global Express XRS is a refined iteration of the original Global Express, tailored for ultra-long-range business travel with enhanced performance and cabin comfort. Introduced in 2003, the XRS features a swept-back wing design with a 35-degree angle and high aspect ratio, contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency and lower takeoff and landing speeds. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710-A2-20 turbofan engines, it delivers a high-speed cruise of up to 511 knots and a maximum range of approximately 6,305 nautical miles—making nonstop intercontinental flights a breeze. The cabin, stretching over 48 feet, offers a luxurious environment with executive seating, advanced noise cancellation, and optimized lighting. With a service ceiling of 51,000 feet and rapid climb capability, the XRS blends speed, sophistication, and reliability for discerning operators worldwide. With the expansion into Malaysia the need to be able to fly nonstop from the South West to Kuala Lumpur meant an upgrade was in order in 2006 G-LXRS was acquired a Bombardier BD700 Global Express XRS having previously test flown D-ADNB a Bombardier BD700 Global Express of DC Aviation Gmbh, a machine which once accompanied Janet Jackson on her World Tour. With the impending closure of Bristol-Filton Airfield Dyson’s Global Express became a nomad operating from RAF Lyneham, Oxford-Kidlington Airfield and Farnborough Airport . Eventually leaving the fleet in April 2011
Bombardier BD700 Global Express XR G-OXRS
It was deemed that an additional Bombardier BD700 Global Express XR was required and in July 2010 G-OXRS was procured being deliver from Bombardier Inc in Canada. Like LXRS, OXRS started its life with Profred Partners LLP as a rather nomadic airframe until eventually calling Bristol Airport home in 2012 having a purpose built hangar constructed next to Centreline Aviation’s Fixed Based Operations facility capable of housing the fleet of helicopters along with one the Jets at any one time. After the Bombardier BD700 Global Express XR Dyson moved to operating Gulfstreams which they continue to do so. G-OXRS left the fleet in July 2014 being sold to Finesse Executive Ltd and based at London-Stansted Airport.
Gulfstream G650 – G-ULFS
The Gulfstream G650 is a flagship ultra-long-range business jet renowned for its speed, range, and luxury. Introduced in 2012, it features a sleek, clean-sheet design powered by twin Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, enabling cruise speeds up to Mach 0.925 and a maximum range of 7,000 nautical miles. Its spacious cabin accommodates up to 19 passengers in three zones, offering cutting-edge connectivity, advanced avionics, and exceptional comfort at cruising altitudes up to 51,000 feet. With nearly 600 units delivered, the G650 has become a symbol of prestige and performance in the world of private aviation. Delivered as new and initially operated under the ownership of Profred Partners LLP from September 2013 to December 2015 before moving to the ownership of Executive Jet Charter Ltd up until it was sold. Up until September 2016 G-ULFS clocked up 701 flight hours.
Gulfstream G650 – G-GSVI
Registered to Executive Jet Charter Ltd on the 14th March 2016 having been delivered from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s factory at Appleton-International, Wisconsin, USA. G-GSVI was kept by Dyson for much longer than any other Gulfstream to date, staying with the fleet up until 25th April 2024 on receipt of G-GVII. Up until February 2024 G-GSVI clocked up 2358 flight hours.
Gulfstream G650ER – G-VIOF
The Gulfstream G650 and G650ER are nearly identical in design, but differ in range and fuel capacity. The G650ER carries an additional 4,000 pounds of fuel, enabling it to fly up to 7,500 nautical miles—about 500 more than the standard G650. This extended capability comes from software and fuel system modifications, not structural changes, and the ER’s maximum takeoff weight is 103,600 lbs compared to the G650’s 99,600 lbs. Notably, existing G650s can be upgraded to ER spec through Gulfstream’s retrofit program, making the distinction more about mission profile than aircraft type. Serial number 6355 registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the 29th March 2019 and was the first time that the company operated two business jets at the same time. up until April of this year G-VIOF has clocked up 1424 flight hours.
Gulfstream GVIII-G700 – G-GVII
The latest jet to be operated by Executive Jet Charter Ltd on behalf of Dyson is a Gulfstream GVIII-G700. The Gulfstream GVIII-G700 is a flagship of modern business aviation, blending cutting-edge performance with unmatched luxury. Introduced in 2019, the G700 stretches Gulfstream’s legacy with a longer fuselage, allowing for up to five customizable living areas—including an ultra-galley and a grand suite with shower. It boasts the most spacious cabin in its class, featuring twenty panoramic oval windows and the industry’s lowest cabin altitude for enhanced passenger comfort. Powered by advanced Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G700 cruises at speeds up to Mach 0.935 and offers a maximum range of 7,750 nautical miles, making it ideal for ultra-long-haul travel. With seating for up to 19 and sleeping arrangements for 13, it’s a flying sanctuary designed for both productivity and relaxation.
Dyson’s helicopters can regularly be seen transiting between Bristol-Lulsgate Airport and London-Battersea Heliport via Sir James Dyson’s house Dodington Park, His Son, Jake Dyson’s house at Hinton Charterhouse Near Bath, North Somerset and the company facilities in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. With its large range the AgustaWestland AW139 are also perfect for direct flights between Dodington Park and the families estate at Ballynatray House, Cork, Ireland, or flying directly into Paris-Issy les Moulineaux Heliport in the heart of the French capital making the journey much more convenient than having to fly to one of Paris’s airports which are located on the outskirts of the heavily congested capital.
Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin II – G-DOLF
The Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin II is a high-performance, twin-engine helicopter designed for demanding missions in hot and high-altitude environments. Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2C turboshaft engines with digital control systems, it offers enhanced reliability and agility. With seating for up to 12 passengers and two pilots, the AS365N3 is widely used for offshore transport, emergency medical services, and VIP travel. Its sleek design, spacious cabin, and advanced avionics make it a favorite among operators seeking versatility and comfort. The first rotary asset of Profred Partners LLP and the longest serving build in 2007 and handed over to Profred in 2008 initially based at Blackbushe until the fleet called Bristol Airport home where it followed the Global Express. It’s Understood but not confirmed that certain members of the Dyson organization preferred the comfort and soundproofing of the Dauphin compared to the AW139’s hence why it stayed in the fleet for such a long time eventually being sold to Multiflight at Leeds Bradford for operations with a the Great North Air Ambulance something we covered in a separate article on our sister site Fresh Aviation the aircraft is still in service with GNAAS operating out of Langwathby and Eaglescliffe-Urlay Nook and as of March 2025 had a total of flight hours.
AgustaWestland AW139 – G-OAWL
The AgustaWestland AW139 now produced by Leonardo is a versatile, medium-lift twin-engine helicopter renowned for its performance, safety, and adaptability. Originally developed in collaboration with Bell Helicopters, it first flew in 2001 and entered service in 2003. Capable of carrying up to 15 passengers, the AW139 is used globally for roles ranging from VIP transport and offshore operations to search and rescue and military missions. Its spacious cabin, advanced avionics, and high-speed capabilities make it a standout in its class, with over 1,200 units built as of 2024. G-OAWL was Dyson’s first AW139 entering service in the summer of 2011 being kept for 4 years before being sold back to AgustaWestland and returning to Italy and being leased to a number of operators before being purchased by The Helicopter Company of Saudia Arabia in November 2019. OAWL painted in a lighter grey than DOLF with black finishing around the windows. it also featured the family coat of arms on the luggage bay door.
AgustaWestland AW139 – G-DCOI
Making the break away from the aircraft registration referencing the aircraft type, G-DCOI refers to Dyson’s very first vacuum cleaner the DC-01 and entered service in April 2013 and was the first aircraft to make the current model of operating three helicopters from the Bristol base. Finished in a shade of grey in-between DOLF and OAWL with the coat of arms now being located on the tail rotor pylon. Along with the rest of the fleet at the time DCOI changed ownership to Executive Jet Charter Ltd. After 730 Approx flight hours sold back to AgustaWestland and returning to Italy. It is believed that Executive Jet Charter Ltd only keep the airframe for the length of the warranty before part exchanging that airframe for a new model with any new upgrades/updates etc.
AgustaWestland AW139 – G-DCII
DCII registered in August 2015 DCII replaced G-OAWL this machine was delivered in the same dark charcoal paint scheme that DOLF was finished in and what became the standard base color for the rest of the AgustaWestland AW139 fleet to come. DCII was the odd one out of the AgustaWestland AW139 fleet operated by Executive Jet Charter Ltd having been kept for just short of a decade leaving the fleet in the summer of 2025 with the introduction of G-DWGI. Being returned to sold back to AgustaWestland and returning to Italy with 937 hours on the clock.
AgustaWestland AW139 – G-DVIO
DVIO brought some color to the Executive Jet Charter Ltd fleet in September 2018 with the upper panels and main gear sponsons adorned in the now iconic Dyson metallic purple. DVIIO is still operational with Executive Jet Charter Ltd and can be regularly seen flying around the skies of the south west DVIO currently has 790 flight hours on the clock.
AgustaWestland AW139 – G-DVII
Sister ship to DVIO is DVII delivered from Leonardo SpA at Vergiate in September 2021. DVII features a return to the i family coat of arms on the luggage bay door as well as being finished in a metallic blue upper panels and skirt bringing even more color to the Bristol based Executive Jet Charter Ltd fleet. DVII is still operational with Executive Jet Charter Ltd and can be regularly seen flying around the skies of the south west DVIO currently has 790 flight hours on the clock.
AgustaWestland AW139 – G-DWGI
2025 saw a replacement of both fixed wing and rotary wing within the first half of the year and for the first time the fixed wing and rotary wing assets have both had a matching paint scheme that of the metallic blue and orange highlights.
It’s not just his corporate aviation that Dyson has an eye for. Hanging from the celling of the appropriately named Lightning restaurant is XM173 a English Electric Lightning F.1A whilst located in the car park is XT140 a Agusta-Bell 47G-3B-1 Sioux AH.1 and ZD462 a British Aerospace Harrier GR.7. The Harrier and Lightning selected for its British engineering excellence. As well as these three aircraft Dyson also owns the oldest surviving working example of a Rolls Royce Welland engine.
With the boom of electric vehicles Dyson decided to pursue building electric vehicles with a plan to manufacture and test drive them in the south west. When the airfield at Buckley Barracks formerly RAF Hullavington went up for sale it made perfect sense, close to both family estates and a stone’s throw from Dyson HQ as well as being excellently located just off Junction 17 of the M4 making it great for Logistics, the site which includes a number of well-maintained hangars along with ample runway and taxiways as a starting point for the test track however the electric vehicles never took off, instead Dyson’s Research and Development Department have moved into Hullavington which from time to time still sees aviation taking place into the form of the AgustaWestland AW139’s visiting. A planning application to use the site as an airfield once again presumably to operate both the Gulfstream GVIII-G700 and AgustaWestland AW139’s from heavily opposed by local residents and a decision was made by Dyson’s organization to withdrawal the application. Dyson himself also has had the opportunity to fly some more punchier aircraft having flown in a Dassault Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet of QinetiQ/Empire Test Pilot School from MOD Boscombe Down whilst filming a documentary named Genius of Britain for Channel 4 Television, at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2011 Dyson was also invited by Breitling to fly in a Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros of the Breitling Jet Team operated by Apache Aviation from RAF Fairford in the lead up to the show.
James Dyson’s relationship with aviation is both personal and operational—marked by luxury and logistics. Dyson’s aviation footprint reflects both his logistical needs as a global entrepreneur and his penchant for high-performance engineering
Article by Matt Sudol, Kev Slade, and Gary Morris
© South West Aviation Photographers 2025