AJET
AVIATION (previously known as Helios Airways)
Page
2 of 2
(2006
- airline name changed to Ajet Aviation)
a 2 Star airline
Ajet Aviation (Helios Airways)
Star
Ranking
Page 1 comments
Helios Airways - by Quentin Macilray
23 January 2006
London Heathrow to Larnaca, 8 January. The flight does not appear on the
departures list in the airport. No Helios desk in the terminal. No
Helios personnel. No notices, no nothing. I ask at the Olympic desk, on
the theory that they might know about planes to Cyprus. They point me
towards the Lufthansa desk: "They do the handling for Helios." Lufthansa
says, "We used to do Helios, but not any more. But as it happens the
Helios flight from Heathrow is leaving from Luton instead. There's a
coach waiting outside to take you there." Two hours before flight
departure time the coach driver glances along the pavement to see if any
more mystified passengers are standing around, then heads off towards
Luton. Just as well I had arrived at Heathrow well before the required
two hours for checking in. Too bad for anyone arriving within that time.
Helios Airways - by Rob Lehmann
8 November 2005
Luton to Larnaca 30/10. Not a promising start at Luton. everyone waiting
to board at the gate, but advised by non-Helios staff that there was no
crew. Frantic phone calls resulted in the very casual appearance of the
pilot and cabin staff about 45 minutes after scheduled departure time -
they advised us they had been doing their shopping in the airport shops!
Flight and on board service okay - nothing special or bad. Returning on
5/11 - arrived at airport at 5 am to be advised that the incoming flight
had reached Paphos, but could not take us back to UK 'because of staff
problems' and a replacement plane and staff would take us back at
6.30pm. We were relatively well provided for - shipped off to the Hilton
in Nicosia for lunch and good rooms to rest- replacement(Excel) was
excellent and got us back. Would be extremely cautious about using
Helios again.
Helios Airways - by Mike Watkins
6 November 2005
Heathrow to Larnaca. Plane was a lotus air jet and the crew were of Arab
appearance. We returned on a Helios 737, older type with the leather
seats and it was fine - free headsets, cans of lager, meal was good.
Staff were fine and no complaints at all.
Helios Airways - by Robert Chapman
6 November 2005
Paphos to Gatwick with Helios. The flight was delayed and no information
was put on the board. We were then asked to board at least half an hour
after our departure time. There was no numerical procedure for boarding
which resulted in lots of time wasting and discomfort for most of the
passengers, especially those with children. The cabin staff were not of
the same standard as we are used to with other airlines, seat trays were
broken and the inflight tv screen in our section was not working. The
food was just about edible, with no choice after halfway down the aisle
and the cabin crew spent most of their time behind curtains. They had
also forgotten how to greet their passengers with a smile and we were
just simply ignored.
Helios Airways - by Maureen Bourne
28 October 2005
We have just returned from our Cyprus holiday and flew with Helios. I
was a little apprehensive regarding the flight due to the bad publicity
the airline had recently experienced. On arrival at East Midlands
airport we were informed the flight would be delayed - scheduled time
was 10.45pm but the flight was delayed till 1.30pm and plane eventually
took off at 02.05pm. We had a considerable wait as we arrived as
instructed 3 hours prior to the flight time. On return from Larnaca the
scheduled flight was 8.30pm - there was no information to say that the
flight would be delayed at all. The flight eventually took off at approx
9.15pm. I stress that the customer service of this airline has a lot
left to be desired and I would not recommend flying anywhere with this
airline.
Helios Airways - by Derry Leach
27 October 2005
Flew from Heathrow to Larnaca 23rd Oct (delayed 1 hour due to baggage
loading issues at Larnaca where plane had just arrived from). Flew back
from Larnaca 25th Oct on time, but circling in queue above Heathrow
added 30 mins to flight time. Apart from the slight delays all was ok.
Staff were good in both directions and seemed to cope well with a
whinging British crowd. I would fly them again but think the prices
could be cheaper.
Helios Airways - by Alistair Kerr
26 October 2005
I was scheduled to fly with Helios from Glasgow to Larnaca on 9th Oct 2005 and return on 23rd Oct
2005. I had booked some time back in June. I was informed on 7th Oct that Helios had cut the
allocation to my provider for my return flight, so I was "dropped". Took a refund and made other
arrangements. I was pleased in the end, since the flight on the 9th was a day late out of Glasgow,
due the arriving plane returning to Larnaca shortly after take off with a technical fault. A local
travel agent told me this "returning" was a frequent occurrance now. other posts on this board
sugeest he is correct.
Helios Airways - by Lynne Tomkinson
24 October 2005
Recently flown with Helios from Glasgow. Excellent flight over to Cyprus. However on our
return, we were delayed at Larnaca for 3 2hours. We were treated well by Helios and spent the
night at a beautiful hotel, full board basis. There were a group of people who chose to make
life very difficult for those trying to help - they were unreasonable to hotel
staff, Holiday reps and Helios staff.
Helios Airways - by Mick Curran
20 October 2005
I have flown regularly with Helios since it's launch, I now feel that
the standards of service have fallen dramatically and the staff have
adopted a could not care less attitude on the 11th September they set
something of a record by taking 24hrs to get my party from Luton to
Larnaca - not a word of apology was offered and no food for 12 hours.
Never again.
Helios Airways - by Bill Herring
2 October 2005
Luton to Paphos, we had no trouble flying with Helios, we have used them
before and will use them again. We took off on time and arrived early,
the only delay was at Paphos when we had to wait
for our luggage to the carosel.
Helios Airways - by Eve Fenwick
23 September 2005
I have flown regularly with Helios since they began flying from Luton airport.. Flights had always
been above average , good food, free papers, attentive, friendly staff. and despite the recent
tragic loss of their aircraft I was still more than happy to fly with them this August. However,
unfortunately their standards have dropped considerably. Mainly minor complaints but enough to put
me off flying with them in the future especially the unhelpful attitude of the staff. Also
corresponding wtth the downgrading of standards was an upturn in prices. Also, I would echo the
remarks made by a previous correspondent - do not expect decent treatment if you are disabled. I was
travelling with an elderly disabled lady and gentleman with limited mobility. Despite asking the
travel agent to pass on a request for extra room and confirming this direct to Helios both on the
outward and return journeys, and arriving very early for check in, I was dismayed and disappointed
not just with not receiving the extra room for them, but that the front seats on both journeys were
only partially occupied by able bodied men and young children. I would therefore suspect that as
summised by your earlier correspondent it is not what you need but who you know. This is what I
would expect from Cyprus Airways but am very disappointed that Helios have gone the same way. I have
since learned that Helios were taken over last year by a new company - this would seem to correspond
with the downturn in service. It was a breath of fresh air when it first started, especially in
relation to prices, what a shame they couldnt keep it up.
Helios Airways - by Kevin Brennan
22 September 2005
Dublin to Pahos on Sept 28th and returned on Sept 11th. Plane 3 hours late outward and 1 hour late homeward. Aircraft very good but the flight attendants
should complete a course in "smiling". Both ways they were all very dour- everything seemed to be
a problem. Would fly with company again if I could be assured that there would be no delays.
Helios Airways - by Elaine Kicul
6 September 2005
Flew first and I might add only time with helios on 29th August (should have been
28th August) but were delayed 16 hours. Were supposed to fly from Glasgow, but on
arrival at the airport were informed flight was overbooked and that a bus was being
put on to take us to East Midlands for a midnight flight when we were supposed to fly
at 11.10am! So seven and a half hours bus journey to East Midlands and no one
there to tell us anything and had to practically beg for meal voucher that had been
promised would be available when we arrived. Then as midnight approached the screens
changed flight time to 2am but did not actually fly till 3.25am, so lost a day of
holiday and arrived exhausted for the next day. We ended up on a Jordan aviation
plane which was filthy, smelt of urine and no tv or in flight service - apart from a
meal that was not edible and staff that could not care. They did no checks as seats
were down on take off etc. The flight home was a Helios plane which was more or less
on time, scruffy - well used and tatty, and again the meal was not edible. I would
advise you to give them the widest berth possible as they are not interested
in their passengers.
Helios Airways - by Frank Warner
19 August 2005
Travelled Helios July 2005 - think it was probably same 737 that went down in Athens last week.
There were clear cabin temperature control problems on our trip, with many fellow passengers
asking staff to warm up the cabin during flight. No change - what made it worse that staff did
not seem to care ? Sadly, Helios does a great disservice to the normal Cypriot charm, and is
akin to the sub-standard, surly service Cyprus Airways meets out. Will I travel Helios again ?
Whilst one accident should not be reason to deter me, in this instance it would. They are one
low-cost carrier that I would suspect of cutting just one too many corners to keep prices down.
Helios Airways - by Christine Hancock
19 August 2005
Flew with Helios from Humberside to Larnaca June 22nd 2005, flight on time and okay. Food good
and drinks (wine sold in the usual mini bottles). Return flight again on time, but
sound not working for film, although they were still selling the earphones. Cabin Staff tended
to hide behind front curtain for most of the journey. Now looking to cancel next years holiday
unless Direct Hols not using Helios - in my opinion following recent crash, they cannot
guarantee safety!
Helios Airways - by Andrea Shackleford
8 August 2005
We travelled with our grand-children (9+6) on return flights from LTN to LCA. Both
ways the planes were old, no entertainment at all available. Our grand-daughter is
disabled and we had informed the airline of this at the time of booking ( Oct
04). We were assured that pre-boarding and sitting together at the front of the
aircraft would be no problem. On either flight no pre-boarding was made available
and on the outbound flight did not even have seats all together. Staff attitude:
Could not care less! Would not recommend this airline despite value for money!
Helios Airways - by
Elaine De-Laurey
8
July 2005
Returned from Paphos. An enormous thankyou to the staff and crew, my daughter was involved in an
accident in Cyprus and was hospitalised for 8 days with a severe fracture to her arm which needed
operating upon. We were supposed to come home the week before with BA. From the moment we checked in,
the staff and crew looked after us - attending to my daughters needs, the food was good and the plane
comfortable.
Helios Airways - by
Debbie Wilson
15
June 2005
Just returned from Larnaca, Cyprus flying to London Heathrow with Helios -1st time flying with them.
Outward journey LHR-LCA (scheduled) very good indeed, comfy seats and good film, food very nice and
free wine. Left 1 hr late but caught up most of the time en route. Return flight was on an older
plane, no films or music at all which was tedious, but food still good quality, and no delays either
end, plus spectacular views flying over Europe. No luggage problems. Would recommend this airline.
Helios Airways - by
Margaret Smallbone
4
June 2005
Horrendous experience with Helios yesterday - used to be quite good but have deteriorated seriously.
Long delays at check-in Luton only completed just in time for boarding then diverted to Larnaca
instead of Paphos with only 15 minutes warning before landing and at Paphos flight was shown as
'cancelled' - lack of information for those meeting people. Dreadful lack of organisation at
Larnaca for onward coaches - no Helios staff in evidence until one eventually arrived to count us!
The slowest coach driver in Cyprus, lack of assistance with luggage, no water provided for the hot
slow journey and a general lack of interest in customer welfare. It will be a long time before I
use Helios again.
Helios Airways - by
Phil Eltringham
29
May 2005
Luton-Larnaca return.
Both flights were on time, the aircraft was comfortable, the meals were excellent, the Cabin Crew
were efficient, courteous, helpful and friendly. We would be happy to use Helios again.
Helios Airways - by
Amanda Hibbert
16
May 2005
On 31st April 2005 I flew from Gatwick to Paphos with Helios. The flight going out was comfortable,
plenty of free drinks and biscuits and the entertainment was fine. Once arriving at
Paphos though we
found out our cases along with 20+ other people had been left on the flight that was
continuing to
Larnaca! The baggage complaint people didnt know what had hit then when a crowd of us queued at
their desk to complain! Our cases did arrive 22 hours later but still caused much agitation having
to keep in the same clothes in hot weather for so long! Plus it was Easter in Cyprus and no shops
were open!
Helios Airways - by
Josie Coupland
6
May 2005
Paphos from Manchester return. Although the flight out was a little late we
still got there in good time, both flights were excellent, food and complimentary drinks good, staff
very friendly and helpful and TV screens above our heads showing where exactly we were flying were
very informative.
Helios Airways - by
Linda Paterson
21
April 2005
Flying with Helios airways from Manchester to Paphos on 03/04/05 was a stressful experience to say
the least. Over 12 hours of delay at Manchester with 10 1/2 hours before getting any form of food.
Helios issued a letter stating we were delayed by 11hrs and 55mins, this was not the case we were
delayed by 12 hrs and 15 minutes. The flight went to Larnaca instead of Paphos without this being
announced before we got on the plane. Total lack of information throughout, think very carefully
before flying Helios Airways!
Helios Airways - by
Stephen Mogg
6
April 2005
London Gatwick to Paphos in March 2005. I'd never heard of Helios before this flight
and the experience was mixed. The check in staff were helpful and gave us the extra leg-room seats
we asked for at the front of the aircraft. Departure from LGW was about an hour late but made up
most of the time and landed only 15 mins late. Food was good and the service reasonable. Films and
UK comedy shows were shown on the IFE. The 737 was reasonably clean and tidy although starting to
look its age in places. Unfortunately the toilets blocked and with about an hour before landing,
none were working. This agitated some passengers but there was not a lot the crew could do. Return
flight left punctually and arrived back at LGW ahead of schedule. The crew were good and the captain
pointed out some interesting places on the way back. The toilets however blocked again on the way
back and probably shows the aircraft is operating at the limit of its range and capacity. Overall,
the airline offers reasonable value and based on my experience it seems one of the better charter
operators.
Helios Airways - by Mike Kirkup
3
March 2005
Very poor treatment of Disabled travelers , once your on the Aircraft they tell you the Front Seats
usually used by disabled are 'reserved or for 1st class passengers ' then your put into an aisle
seat and whilst being bumped by passing trolleys watch the young friends of the cabin crew lounge
about on the front seats - Disgusting ! I was on the Luton fight on the 10th Feb and the same thing happened to a friend with a Hip
replacement flying back from Cyprus on the 11th Feb ! So Disabled passengers beware !
Helios Airways - by Charles Smiles
20
October 2004
Gatwick to Paphos on 9th Oct returning 1 week later. Booked via Argo Holidays, never
heard of Helios before so wondered what we were getting into. I was pleasantly surprised,
everything was on time, modern clean aircraft, leather seats, attentive cabin staff and reasonable
food. Have flown with worse.
Helios Airways - by Ellen Johnson
8
October 2004
On Sept 9th I had a seat booked with Helios from Luton to Larnaca. I had made sure that I
didn't get
the flight that stops in paphos before Larnaca. However, when I arrived at the airport they had
changed the flight time from 11:20 am dep to 12:40 and announced that this flight now stops at
Paphos. A total delay to the scheduled arrival time of: 2.5 hours. Same on the return flight. No
notification by letter or phone. Not a happy customer. However, service on flights has always been
excellent and I have never had a problem before, so overall have to say value for money.
Helios Airways - by C Wright
17
September 2004
Helios (booked through Sunvil Holidays) in June 2004. I thought it was the best package
holiday flight we've ever been on. The seats were roomy, leather and there was plenty of leg room
for someone like me, who is 6ft 1" - I normally suffer on most flights. The crew were friendly and
efficient and I'd recommend Helios to anyone travelling to Cyprus.
Helios Airways - by Helen Slater
6
September 2004
I have flown Helios twice now. The first flight (to and from Larnaca) although cramped and with a
bad landing was acceptable. The second from journey Larnaca to Newcastle, again the flight was
cramped, but when we landed we found that approximately 50 cases had been left in Cyprus, mine
included. I landed last night (Sat 4/9/04) and have now been told that although they flew all cases
to Luton this morning, it will take until Tuesday (7/9/04) afternoon before the cases will arrive in
Newcastle. When I asked for a number for Luton Airport so I can arrange for it to be delivered
Monday (at my own cost) they refused. I advised them of my circumstances (that I am due to fly out
again on Wednesday (8/9/04) they were still very unhelpful. I will not be flying Helios again and
plan to apply for compensation. They chose to fly the remaining cases to an airport that does not
have any connections with Newcastle and that is totally unacceptable.
Helios Airways - by Scott Hoare
6
August 2004
I travelled with Helios Airways for the first time flying from Luton to Larnaca on 29 April 2004 and
was eagerly anticipating the journey due to the promise of luxurious leather seating and state of
the art in-flight entertainment system in their "next generation" Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This
promise was indeed fulfilled and it was a great flight - however the same cannot be said of
the return flight from Larnaca into Heathrow on 10 May 2004 as we were herded onto what can only be
described as an MPV with wings. This wholly inadequate "old generation" 737-300 had seats
upholstered in rags as old and as stained as the Turin Shroud !! and whilst I wasn't expecting a
home theatre system surround sound TV all to myself, I wasn't prepared for the complete lack of any
audio/ visual relief - sorry no i lie - sitting in the back row you get to listen to the one and only
toilet flushing - constantly. I have just booked again to fly with Helios on the same
route in September - I hope that this time all promises can be lived up to !
Helios Airways - by Duncan Whiting
28
June 2004
Flew Helios from LHR-LCA on 9th June 2004 in the "so called" Helios Plus cabin.
Advertised as Priority Check-In but no Business Class Check-In at LHR. Wasn't a problem though as no
queue in Economy.
Also advertised use of Business Class lounge which again, didn't happen as we were given Economy
Boarding Cards.
The cabin is just the first 5 rows separated by a curtain, with a guarantee the seat next to you
will be empty. Actually had all three seats to myself. Same legroom as the other passengers though but I am 6 feet 3 inches and
wasn't uncomfortable.
The service was excellent, staff were fully attentive throughout the entire flight constantly
offering drinks / papers etc and always with a smile. Leather seats were also a nice touch.
Helios Airways - by Dan Costello
29
April 2004
On 25th February 2004 I flew from Paphos to Dublin with Helios. On arrival I found that my
suitcase was had its underside ripped beyond repair. I do not think anything was missing or taken
from it. I completed a Damage Report Form and contacted Helios a number of times by email,
telephone and letter on the progress of the claim and this airline has up to today 29th April 2004
not offered any compensation for the damage amount claimed. I have found that this airline has the same attitude to unrelated
correspondence which I have sent to them.
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