Airbus Helicopters concludes Heli-Expo 2024 with 155 agreements reached

Airbus Helicopters concludes Heli-Expo 2024 with 155 agreements reached

Airbus Helicopters Makes Strides in 2025

Airbus Helicopters, a global leader in the aviation industry, continues to make significant strides in various sectors.

In a major development, the company has launched the H160M Guépard flight test campaign for the French Armed Forces. This militarized version of the H160 is designed under the Joint Light Helicopter programme, with France planning to order 169 H160Ms to replace multiple older helicopter types across Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force branches. Airbus is producing multiple prototypes to accelerate development, with flight tests and firing campaigns scheduled through 2026.

The French Ministry of Armed Forces has also selected the H160M as a standardized platform across all military branches, representing a significant commitment. In the civil sector, the Tokyo Fire Department is expanding its fleet with new Airbus H225 helicopters, highlighting ongoing partnerships in emergency services.

Airbus Helicopters is also leading in the helicopter emergency medical services market with the H145. DRF Luftrettung, a renowned provider, has purchased up to 10 H145s from Airbus Helicopters. The company has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) whenever possible. During Heli-Expo, Airbus Helicopters performed demo flights with an H145 and an H125 using 30% SAF.

In a significant business move, THC signed a historic contract with Airbus Helicopters for up to 120 helicopters. The contract includes a firm order for 8 H125s and 10 H145s. Airbus Helicopters secured 155 commitments, including 40 firm orders, at the 2024 Heli-Expo.

Airbus Helicopters' global fleet achieved a milestone in 2023, reaching 3 million flight hours. The company also secured an HCare contract for Air Center Helicopters' 18 H225 helicopters and signed an HCare PBH contract for the Czech Republic's emergency medical services provider, DSA, for their eight H135 helicopters. Bristow placed an order for up to 15 H135s from Airbus Helicopters for the growing energy market. HealthNet Aeromedical Services added four H135s to its all-Airbus fleet.

In terms of partnerships, Airbus Helicopters and LCI announced two partnerships to explore advanced air mobility (AAM) market and address long-term capacity, sustainability, and financing requirements of the industry. Niagara Helicopters purchased six H130s from Airbus Helicopters. Airbus Helicopters' FlyScan saw a boost thanks to a partnership with GPMS, allowing more operators to share data and benefit from proactive technical expertise.

In conclusion, Airbus Helicopters is heavily investing in next-generation military rotorcraft (H160M) as a major future platform, securing key contracts like the French Armed Forces, while also maintaining civil partnerships such as with the Tokyo Fire Department. The company is also making strides in the sustainable aviation sector, with ongoing commitments to using SAF and demo flights showcasing this commitment. Airbus Helicopters continues to lead in the helicopter emergency medical services market and is securing significant contracts in the civil and military sectors.

References: 1. Airbus Helicopters 2. Airbus Helicopters 2025 Annual Report 3. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: H160M Guépard Flight Test Campaign 4. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: Tokyo Fire Department Expands Fleet 5. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: DRF Luftrettung Orders H145 6. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: THC Contract 7. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: 2024 Heli-Expo Commitments 8. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: H125 and H145 SAF Demo Flights 9. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: Air Center H225 HCare Contract 10. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: DSA H135 HCare PBH Contract 11. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: Bristow Orders H135 12. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: HealthNet Aeromedical Services Orders H135 13. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: Niagara Helicopters Orders H130 14. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: FlyScan Partnership with GPMS 15. Airbus Helicopters Press Release: LCI Partnerships

• Airbus Helicopters, in addition to its commitments in the aviation industry, is also venturing into the finance sector, as they recently secured a historic contract with THC for up to 120 helicopters, including agreements for both the H125 and H145 models.
• In the technology sector, Airbus Helicopters is collaborating with LCI to explore the advancements in the field of AAM (Advanced Air Mobility), aiming to address long-term capacity, sustainability, and financing requirements of the aerospace industry.

Read also: