Airbus Helicopters (Booth N1915) signed deals for at least an additional 17 helicopters Tuesday afternoon at Heli-Expo 2018. Heliflite China placed an order for seven H125 and three H130 singles, Helicopter Travel Munich (HTM) signed an agreement for four H125s, Noevir Aviation booked a single H125, and Japan's Auto Panther and Nakanihon Air Service opted for an H130 and H135, respectively.
Heliflite China, based in Xian, has also been accredited as an official Airbus Helicopters distributor in the region and began distribution operations in 2002. The helicopters in its latest order will be used for utility and emergency medical services missions throughout China.
“Given the sheer size of the market and its potential in China, we are preparing for future growth by ensuring we will have the necessary resources available to support all of our operations in the country,” said Marie-Agnes Veve, the head of Airbus Helicopters in China.
According to Airbus Helicopters, the H125/H130 is the largest turbine helicopter fleet in China, making up nearly 50 percent of all light single engines in the country, with more than 125 of the helicopters currently in operation there. The company has an overall in-country market share of 40 percent, with an annual growth rate of 20 percent over the last five years. Airbus has seven local offices and a regional customer service center, and is the first Western helicopter manufacturer to set up a final assembly line (FAL) in the country.
The deal with Helicopter Travel Munich (HTM) completes that company’s fleet of 25 Airbus helicopters. “We selected the H125 for its superior performance, especially in mountainous areas and hot climates” said Hans Ostler, CEO of HTM. “We are excited to put this helicopter into operation for a number of missions including passenger transport, aerial work, filming and photo shoots, and fire-fighting.” HTM operates 25 at 6 locations, flying more than 5000 hour a year.
Noevir Aviation's H125 light single will join its fleet of earlier-version H125s, which have been serving the company's charter needs for the past three decades. Auto Panther inked a deal for the ACH130, which features Airbus’ signature "Stylence by ACH" VIP interior with a sports-car-inspired design.
With Nakanihon Air Service's new order, its fleet will grow to 20 helicopters that serve on missions spanning helicopter emergency medical services and electronic newsgathering.