The United Kingdom is a strategic hub for aviation and aerospace, with strong manufacturing, maintenance, and leasing sectors. For buyers and operators overseas, especially in emerging markets, sourcing planes and helicopters from the UK can unlock access to high-quality aircraft, compliant documentation, and trusted after-sales support.

However, arranging an export of planes and helicopters is very different from shipping standard goods. Aircraft are highly regulated, require complex paperwork, and must comply with export controls, airworthiness standards, and insurance and financing requirements. This is where a specialist partner like Wigmore Trading can help.

Why source planes and helicopters from the United Kingdom?

The UK remains one of the world’s most reputable aviation markets, with access to:

• Established OEMs and approved dealers

• High-quality pre-owned aircraft and helicopters

• Strong maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities

• Experienced aviation finance and leasing firms

For importers in Africa, the Middle East, and other developing regions, the export of planes and helicopters from the United Kingdom offers several key benefits:

• Proven airworthiness standards – UK-based aircraft usually comply with respected safety and maintenance regimes.

• Better documentation – logbooks, maintenance records, and modification histories are typically well maintained.

• Access to niche aircraft – from light helicopters for medical evacuation to turboprops and regional jets for commercial routes.

Wigmore Trading can help buyers identify commercial aircraft, private jets, and helicopters that match route profiles, budgets, and local regulatory frameworks.

Understanding regulations when you export planes and helicopters

Aircraft are subject to strict export controls and aviation rules. Getting this wrong can lead to delays at customs, grounding of aircraft, or even fines. When you export planes and helicopters, you must typically consider:

• Export control licences where applicable

• Airworthiness and registration status in the UK and destination country

• Import duties, taxes, and exemptions in the buyer’s jurisdiction

• Insurance and liability coverage during ferry flights or disassembly and shipment

A partner experienced in trade and logistics can coordinate with aviation lawyers, civil aviation authorities, and customs brokers. Wigmore Trading can help you navigate these requirements so that your aircraft transfer is compliant from the outset.

Key steps in exporting planes and helicopters with Wigmore Trading

1. Sourcing and technical evaluation

The first step is identifying the right aircraft. This may involve:

• Screening UK-based inventory from sellers and brokers

• Reviewing maintenance history, hours, and cycles

• Arranging independent pre-purchase inspections

• Confirming suitability for conditions in the destination country

Wigmore Trading can coordinate technical assessments and help you compare different options, whether you are looking for a single helicopter or a small fleet of regional aircraft.

2. Structuring the transaction

Next comes the commercial structure. Every export of planes and helicopters from the United Kingdom with Wigmore Trading is tailored to the buyer’s needs, including:

• Purchase or lease structures

• Deposit and balance payment terms

• Escrow arrangements

• Responsibilities for inspections, repairs, and modifications prior to delivery

Clear structuring reduces risk for both buyer and seller and helps prevent disputes once the aircraft is in transit. Wigmore Trading can help.

3. Documentation and compliance

Accurate documentation is critical in aviation exports. Typical paperwork includes:

• Bills of sale and purchase agreements

• Export licences (where required)

• Deregistration certificates and airworthiness documents

• Customs declarations and shipping documentation

Wigmore Trading works with specialist partners to ensure documents are correctly prepared, reducing the chance of delays with customs or civil aviation authorities.

4. Logistics: ferry flights vs disassembled shipment

There are usually two main options to export planes and helicopters:

• Ferry flight – the aircraft is flown from the UK to the destination under a valid ferry permit or certificate of airworthiness.

• Disassembled shipment – particularly common for helicopters or aircraft heading for heavy maintenance; major components are packed into containers and shipped by sea.

Choosing the right method depends on cost, distance, aircraft type, and the condition of the aircraft. Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and logistics planning.

Exporting spacecraft or aerospace components from the UK

Alongside planes and helicopters, the UK is an important player in the broader space and satellite ecosystem. While full spacecraft exports are highly specialised and tightly controlled, there is rising demand for:

• Satellite components and subsystems

• Ground support equipment

• Test and measurement systems

The same principles apply: strict export controls, complex contracts, and specialist logistics. If you are exploring opportunities to export planes and helicopters, and/or spacecraft from the United Kingdom with Wigmore Trading, a structured, compliant process is essential. Wigmore Trading can help you connect with relevant suppliers and manage the trade element, while you focus on the technical and operational side of your project.

Why choose Wigmore Trading for aircraft export projects?

For buyers and operators, working with Wigmore Trading offers several advantages:

• End-to-end trade support – from identifying UK-based aviation suppliers to coordinating logistics and customs.

• Experience in African and emerging markets – Wigmore Trading understands local import rules, infrastructure realities, and the commercial environment.

• Reliable partner network – access to trusted aviation advisers, logistics providers, and financial institutions.

Whether you are an airline, charter operator, government agency, NGO or corporate flight department, Wigmore Trading can help you reduce risk, shorten timelines, and improve transparency when sourcing aircraft from the UK.

Start planning your next aviation acquisition

If you are considering the export of planes and helicopters from the United Kingdom, the right partner can make the difference between a smooth delivery and a costly delay.

Wigmore Trading can help you:

• Assess opportunities in the UK aviation market

• Understand regulatory and customs requirements

• Coordinate inspections, paperwork, and shipping

Get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can support your next aircraft, helicopter, or aerospace procurement project.