Airbus Helicopters concludes Heli-Expo 2024 with 155 agreements in place
In the 2024–2025 period, Airbus Helicopters has been making significant strides in the advanced air mobility market. The company has announced partnerships, secured major orders, and embarked on modernization projects that reinforce its multi-mission helicopter presence globally.
Major Orders and Contracts
While specific announcements from the 2024 Heli-Expo event were not detailed, major orders and contracts closely linked to this period highlight Airbus Helicopters' ongoing business momentum. For instance, in mid-2025, Airbus Helicopters secured a contract with China's Skyco Leasing Group for additional H175 helicopters meant for offshore transport operations. This contract signifies expanding regional demand and confidence in Airbus' multi-mission rotorcraft capabilities.
Fleet Modernization
In August 2025, Taiwan’s National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) signed a modernization contract for its AS365 helicopter fleet. This deal involves upgrading four helicopters to the latest AS365N3+ standards and refurbishing five pre-owned helicopters to harmonize the fleet by 2030. Upgrades include a night vision goggles (NVG) compatible cockpit, enhanced autopilot, and advanced communication systems, boosting capabilities in search and rescue, disaster relief, and medical evacuations.
Partnerships and Technical Advancements
Airbus Helicopters has initiated flight tests for the H160M Guépard military variant, which is slated to equip French armed forces starting in 2028, indicating forward momentum in military rotorcraft development. The French Air and Space Force's H225M helicopter benefits from recent in-flight refueling capability approval on the Airbus A400M aircraft, extending the H225M’s operational range beyond 1,000 km to over 10 hours of flight. This integration enhances the multi-mission flexibility of the H225M in demanding military operations.
Additional Contracts
Japan's Tokyo Fire Department awarded a contract for an H225, and Japan’s Nagoya City Fire Bureau ordered Airbus H160 helicopters, underlining Airbus’s strong presence in public service multi-mission roles.
Commitment to Sustainability
During Heli-Expo, demo flights were performed using 30% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with an H145 and an H125, emphasizing Airbus Helicopters' commitment to using SAF.
Looking Ahead
Airbus Helicopters secured 155 commitments, including 40 firm orders, at the 2024 Heli-Expo. The company's CEO, Bruno Even, expressed gratitude for customer trust and feedback driving continuous improvement. Furthermore, Airbus Helicopters agreed to provide 10 H145s to DRF Luftrettung for use in helicopter emergency medical services.
In addition, Niagara Helicopters placed an order for six H130s from Airbus Helicopters, Bristow ordered up to 15 H135s from Airbus Helicopters for the growing energy market, and HealthNet Aeromedical Services added four H135s to its all-Airbus fleet. Airbus Helicopters' FlyScan partnership with GPMS will allow more operators to share their data with Airbus and benefit from proactive technical expertise and tailored recommendations.
The global Airbus Helicopters fleet achieved 3 million flight hours in 2023, and the Czech Republic's emergency medical services provider, DSA, signed an HCare PBH contract for their eight H135 helicopters. These developments underscore Airbus Helicopters' ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer service in the advanced air mobility market.
The company's sustained business momentum in the 2024–2025 period is evident in the Series of major orders and contracts it secured, such as the ones with China's Skyco Leasing Group for transportation helicopters and Taiwan’s National Airborne Service Corps for modernizing its aviation fleet. Furthermore, partnerships like the one with Niagara Helicopters for transportation and the FlyScan partnership with GPMS in finance highlighted Airbus Helicopters' dedication to exploiting opportunities across various industries.
