Airbus and Bristow Group agree on a potential 15-helicopter purchase deal for H135 models
The Airbus H135 helicopter has proven to be a versatile and dependable rotorcraft, widely used in emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, offshore operations, and more. This light twin-engine rotorcraft is renowned for its adaptability, safety, and reliability in demanding environments.
In offshore operations, the H135 is a common sight, supporting oil and gas transport and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in countries like Norway. Its excellent maneuverability, good speed, and modern avionics suite make it an ideal choice for complex missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and offshore transport.
Equipped with powerful engines and advanced technology, the H135 is well-suited for adverse weather and night operations, crucial in offshore and rescue missions. Its low acoustic footprint and efficient fuel consumption are notable advantages, reducing environmental impact and operating costs, particularly in sensitive offshore environments.
Operators like the Norwegian Air Ambulance trust the H135 for its proven track record in challenging maritime environments. While Airbus Helicopters offers other models tailored for offshore oil and gas missions, the H135 remains essential for shorter-range and medical evacuation tasks offshore.
The Bristow Group, a leading global offshore helicopter operator, frequently utilises Airbus helicopters, including the H135 family, for offshore crew transport and search and rescue, underpinning their fleet’s safety and versatility in harsh offshore conditions.
Airbus has continuously evolved the H135 platform with safety systems like emergency flotation devices, crash-resistant fuel systems, and advanced avionics, aligning well with the stringent requirements of the offshore oil and gas sector.
Recently, Airbus Helicopters and the Bristow Group agreed on a framework contract for up to fifteen H135 helicopters. The first helicopter is scheduled for delivery in October 2024. This move underscores Bristow Group's role as the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions and reaffirms the H135's position as a preferred choice in challenging offshore operational theaters.
With over 7 million flight hours clocked in by the H135 family helicopters, and Bristow Group already operating a fleet of 10 H135 family helicopters, the future of this partnership looks promising. The H135's performance is attributed to Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, featuring a 4-axis autopilot, three large electronic displays, and a First Limit Indicator that highlights engine instrument data for the pilot.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed gratitude for Bristow's renewed trust, further strengthening the bond between these two industry leaders.
The H135 helicopter, with its powerful engines and advanced technology, is an ideal choice for complex businesses such as offshore transport and law enforcement, given its excellent maneuverability and modern avionics suite. In the finance sector, the recent agreement between Airbus Helicopters and the Bristow Group on a framework contract for up to fifteen H135 helicopters signifies a significant investment, stating the preference for this rotorcraft in challenging offshore operational theaters, like offshore oil and gas missions and emergency medical services (HEMS).
