London Executive Aviation (LEA), one of Europe’s largest business jet charter operators, is celebrating victory over top helicopter charter business RotorMotion in the second annual ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’.

Held on Saturday, September 1 at Hurtwood Park Polo Country Club in Surrey, the pro-am match saw a nail-biting finish, as the LEA team staged a dramatic comeback in the final chukka to secure a 6-4 victory.

LEA team captain and managing director George Galanopoulos says: “As a passionate polo player, I am delighted the sport enables us to bring so many industry colleagues and friends together for a day of family celebrations. This year’s match was a real tussle, so the crowd saw some first-rate action from both teams. With the addition of delicious barbecue-style food from the traditional Argentinean asado, and a selection of RotorMotion’s superb Agusta 109 helicopters to admire, there was definitely something for everyone to enjoy.”

With the day’s emphasis upon family fun and entertainment, other attractions included a wooden polo pony, giving guests an opportunity for a taster polo lesson, and a raffle to win a helicopter flight, through which a large sum was raised for the ‘Children in Need’ charity appeal.

Rival team captain Philip Louis Amadeus, managing director of RotorMotion, says: “Once again, we are indebted to Embraer Executive Jets as the day’s sponsor. Embraer is a great supporter of business aviation in so many ways and without the company’s involvement we would not be able to stage such a successful event.

“The record turnout of over 300 people and a party atmosphere that continued well into the evening shows how popular the ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’ has become with the business aviation community. Along with LEA, RotorMotion is committed to the event as an annual fixture and, of course, we look forward to regaining the trophy from LEA next year!”

The winners’ trophy was presented by legendary rock drummer and Hurtwood owner Kenney Jones. Famous from his involvement with bands including the ‘Small Faces’, the ‘Faces’ and ‘The Who’, Jones is a helicopter pilot and avid polo player.