Offshore helicopter operator PHI has signed a deal with Airbus Helicopters for “commitments” for 20 super-medium twin H175 and eight intermediate twin H160 helicopters to serve the worldwide energy field, including in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The agreement announced today includes firm orders and purchase options.
PHI today operates more than 200 helicopters serving markets including offshore energy and air medical. Its Airbus fleet consists of H125, H135, H145, H160, and H175 models. “This agreement is a component of our broader strategy to bring new technology into an industry that has experienced a strong rebound after years of underinvestment," said PHI CEO Scott McCarty.
The 54 H175s in service globally have accumulated 195,000 flight hours, 170,000 of which have involved flights for the energy sector. The multirole H160 features a pair of Safran Arrano engines that offer a 15 percent fuel-burn reduction compared with legacy helicopters in the same class.