Airbus Helicopters claimed top prize for 2016 deliveries of turbine helicopters into the civil and parapublic markets in North America, delivering 60 new helicopters—50 percent of all deliveries in this region. It also took orders for 64 more helicopters in North America last year, an estimated 73 percent of new bookings in this market, according to the company.
The company received orders from 20 new Airbus Helicopters customers in the region last year, including five new helicopter owners. Overall bookings in North America last year included 33 H125 AStars that are built at the company's production plant in Columbus, Mississippi; nine H130; seven H145s and five earlier derivatives; and seven H135s. Airbus also delivered 35 more UH-72A Lakotas to the U.S. Army and secured a five-year support contract with a potential values of $972 million for the Army's 393-strong UH-72A fleet.
Chris Emerson, president of Airbus Helicopters Inc., the entity responsible for servicing North America, credited the performance on the company's improved customer service and its ability to attract new customers in a difficult market. "Customers appreciate our strengthened commitment to providing both a high-quality helicopter and outstanding service," he said.