Airbus Helicopters is getting great results from its participation at HAI Expo 2023, which is being held in Atlanta, Georgia. The company launched IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) capability development for the H125 and announced that it sees growing demand for its H160 model in North America. Finally, it delivered the first ACH160 to The Helicopter Company and the tenth H145 for STARS.
Airbus Helicopters equips H125 with IFR capabilities
First, the company announced that together with Genesys Aerosystems it has begun development of the instruments required to equip its H125 with IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) capability. This should be available in the second half of 2024. Improvements will reach the cockpit, and a new autopilot and redundant hydraulic and electrical systems will be implemented.
Jérome Ronssin, head of the light helicopter program, noted that «with these innovations, the H125 remains an unrivaled product in terms of performance and value for money. The ability to operate under IFR conditions will expand the roles the helicopter can fulfill. We see great potential for critical missions, such as medical services.»
Airbus Helicopters’ goal is to obtain certification from the main aviation authorities during the second half of 2024 and to make the first deliveries by the end of that year. Currently, about 4,200 units of the H125 family are flying worldwide, making it the absolute market leader in its category.
The North American market for the H160 continues to grow
In another development, the company noted that demand for H160 helicopters continues to grow in North America. According to Airbus, more than a dozen H160s have been ordered by North American customers for a variety of missions.
To support this growth and the aircraft’s entry into service, the first H160 full flight simulator (FFS) in North America is on its way. The FFS will be a critical training tool for the growing number of customers in North and Latin America who have already placed orders for the aircraft.
Romain Trapp, president of Airbus Helicopters and head of the North American region, said, «The H160 features the highest level of innovation and was designed to provide our customers with tremendous comfort, performance, and safety. The addition of FFS in North America ensures pilots have easy access to training.»
The FFS will be built by Helisim -a joint venture between Airbus Helicopters and Thales- and is expected to accommodate about 400 pilots per year, with a potential of more than 4,000 hours of training per year. It will be located at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. It should be ready in the second half of 2025.
STARS has completed its fleet renewal with Airbus Helicopters
Canadian not-for-profit acute care provider STARS took delivery of its tenth H145, completing its initial fleet renewal plans. The organization has operated Airbus helicopters for nearly four decades and uses the H145 exclusively for its medical missions.
Andrea Robertson, president, and CEO of STARS said, «The introduction of the H145 into our fleet enhanced our ability to deliver care from our bases in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Our goal is to continually expand the scope of our mission services.» Trapp added: «We appreciate the trust STARS has placed in Airbus Helicopters over the years. Performing an average of 10 missions a day across Canada requires reliable aircraft and I am confident that the H145 will enable STARS to fulfill these demanding missions.»
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STARS’ fleet renewal began with the first delivery in 2019. The initial five deliveries were the four-blade variant. These aircraft are being upgraded to five-blade, with one of the retrofits already completed. Its last five aircraft were delivered in the five-blade configuration. Among other changes, the five-bladed H145 features a 150 kg (330 lb) increased payload, simplified maintenance operations, and improved comfort.
The Helicopter Company took delivery of its first ACH160
In its base in Saudi Arabia, The Helicopter Company (THC) took delivery of its first ACH160. The aircraft is the first of six that will provide corporate services for Red Sea Global. It thus becomes the launch customer for the ACH160 in the Middle East. THC has four more ACH160s on order with an option for four more, bringing its firm commitment to ten ACH160s.
THC CEO Arnaud Martinez said, «We are delighted to take delivery of our first ACH160, which will be deployed immediately for corporate transport services with Red Sea Global on the west coast of Saudi Arabia». The Helicopter Company, created by the Saudi government’s public investment fund, is the leading provider of commercial helicopter flights in the country.
