A Unique Sunday at St Helena Airport: Welcoming the French Air Force in a Lockheed KC-130J Super Hercules

At Williams Taxis & Tours, we’ve had our fair share of interesting pick-ups. We’ve met travelers from all over the world, taken guests on breathtaking island tours, and even accommodated a few last-minute “I forgot to book a ride” calls.

But this Sunday was something special—something you don’t see every day on St Helena.

The airport was eerily quiet, almost as if it had taken the day off. No long queues, no bustling travelers, and not even the usual hum of chatter.

It felt like we had the whole St Helena Airport arrivals hall to ourselves!

Why? Because we were on an exclusive mission: picking up members of the French Air Force, who were flying in on a Lockheed KC-130J Super Hercules.

This was no ordinary Sunday.

It was a day of anticipation, a touch of aviatuon with a difference and, of course, another example of why Williams Taxis & Tours is the go-to service on the island.

Let’s dive into this incredible experience.

The Silence of the Arrivals Hall: An Airport All to Ourselves

Imagine stepping into an airport where you can hear your own footsteps echo. No announcements over the PA system, no bustling passengers dragging suitcases, no families eagerly awaiting loved ones.

Just peace, quiet, and a few airport staff who seemed just as surprised as we were at how deserted it was.

If you’ve ever wanted a VIP airport experience, this was it.

No waiting in line, no struggling to find your guests, and no dodging luggage trolleys. It was almost as if the entire airport staff had conspired to give us our own private pick-up experience.

We half expected a tumbleweed to roll across the arrivals hall. If ever there was a moment to feel like a character in a movie, this was it. We were just waiting for the dramatic soundtrack to kick in.

Of course, St Helena Airport isn’t exactly known for being Heathrow or JFK.

But still, it’s rare to see it this empty, even on a Sunday.

And yet, there we were, standing in an arrivals hall that was so peaceful, we could have set up a picnic.

But the quiet wouldn’t last long—because what was coming next was anything but subtle.

A big difference to the usual chatter and people in the Arrivals Hall at St Helena Airport

Enter the Lockheed KC-130J Super Hercules

When you’re used to seeing airlinks’s commercial planes or the occasional small aircraft, the sight of a KC-130J Super Hercules rolling onto the tarmac is nothing short of spectacular.

This massive military transport aircraft is not just any plane—it’s a beast built for power, endurance, and efficiency.

A Little About the KC-130J Super Hercules

The Lockheed KC-130J Super Hercules is a military transport and aerial refueling aircraft. It belongs to the Hercules family, which has been in service since the 1950s, proving its reliability and versatility.

The KC-130J is the modernized version, boasting state-of-the-art avionics, fuel efficiency, and increased cargo capacity.

This aircraft is used by several air forces around the world, including the United States, France, and the UK, and plays a crucial role in troop transport, aerial refueling, and cargo missions.

It can land on short and rough airstrips, making it perfect for remote locations—like our very own St Helena.

With four powerful Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, the KC-130J isn’t just a workhorse—it’s a flying powerhouse. It’s designed to operate in tough conditions and can refuel helicopters, fighter jets, and even other transport planes mid-air.

Seeing this magnificent aircraft touch down on St Helena’s infamous runway was a sight to behold. As it taxied in, the size and presence of the plane dominated the landscape, making our tiny airport look even smaller than usual.

The Arrival: A Grand Entrance in True Military Style

Front of the Aircraft peeking out from behind the terminal building

The moment the KC-130J came to a halt, these weren’t your typical tourists looking for an island getaway.

No sunhats, no floral shirts—just uniforms and an air of authority. But despite their official demeanor, they were friendly, polite, and probably just as intrigued by the island as we were by their aircraft.

As they made their way through the eerily empty arrivals hall, we had a moment of realization:

👉 We were their first taste of St Helena hospitality.

And we weren’t about to let them down.

Williams Taxis & Tours: More Than Just a Ride

At Williams Taxis & Tours, we pride ourselves on offering more than just transportation—we provide an experience.

Whether it’s a standard airport pickup, a scenic island tour, or a full day of adventure, we make sure our guests get the best of St Helena.

For our French Air Force visitors, we ensured that everything was smooth, professional, and welcoming. After all, when you arrive in a plane like the KC-130J, you deserve a ride that matches the occasion.

🚖 Comfortable, clean, and reliable transportation

🚖 Friendly and knowledgeable drivers

🚖 A chance to hear a few local stories along the way

And let’s be honest—when you land at one of the world’s most remote airports, you need a taxi service that knows exactly where to go.

A Moment to Remember

As we drove away from the airport, watching the KC-130J Super Hercules in the rearview mirror, we couldn’t help but appreciate what a unique experience this was.

It’s not every day you get an empty airport, a front-row seat to a military aircraft landing, and the chance to welcome elite members of the French Air Force—all in one shift.

This was our second pick up for a countries military aircraft personal, last time was the Royal Air force from Britain.

At Williams Taxis & Tours, no two days are the same. And that’s what makes it so exciting.

Whether you’re a military officer, a traveler looking for an adventure, or someone just trying to get from A to B, we’ve got you covered.

So next time you find yourself arriving at St Helena Airport, whether in a Boeing, a Cessna, or a Super Hercules, just remember:

We’ll be there, ready to welcome you—empty arrivals hall or not.

Book Your Ride with Williams Taxis & Tours!

📍 Need a ride from St Helena Airport?

📍 Looking for a guided tour of the island?

📍 Want an unforgettable travel experience?

📞 Contact us today and let Williams Taxis & Tours take care of the rest!

Our Ford Transit “Branded” bus ready for the personnel from the Aircraft