Helicopter company Ostnes Helicopters places order for 10 Airbus H125 models
Airbus and Østnes Helicopters Announce Major H125 Helicopter Order
Airbus Helicopters and Østnes Helicopters have announced a significant deal, with the Norwegian company ordering ten Airbus H125 helicopters. This contract was revealed at this year's European Rotors event, marking another chapter in the over 30-year partnership between the two companies.
The H125 (also known as the AS350) is a versatile light utility helicopter, widely adopted by operators worldwide for diverse missions. It is the absolute market leader in the intermediate single-engine helicopter category, with a record market share of 82% in 2023.
Frode Østnes, CEO of Østnes Helicopters, stated that the H125 has proven its capabilities and is essential for the region's customers. The new helicopters will primarily perform utility and aerial work missions in the Nordic region. Upon delivery, they will join a fleet of over 150 H125s already operating in the region.
Airbus is pleased to see Østnes Helicopters committed to supporting their ambition to expand their market share in the Nordic region. The H125 helicopters' best availability is ensured by this order.
Østnes Helicopters, the authorized distributor for Airbus helicopters in the Nordic countries, has a team of certified technicians and avionics experts specially trained for the H145 helicopter. Their maintenance organization is approved to provide full MRO services for the H120, H125, H130, and now, as of this year, the H145 models.
This order comes as Østnes Helicopters continues to demonstrate its success in the helicopter industry. The company has sold over 400 helicopters, both new and on the secondary market. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Ecureuil family's maiden flight, which has achieved 40 million flight hours.
The H125 helicopters will be operating in the most demanding conditions worldwide, a testament to their durability and reliability. The Ecureuil family is recognised globally as the world's most successful single-engine helicopter, used in various roles such as herding, firefighting, and power line work, including in regions with similar climates and operational needs to the Nordics.
As of mid-2025, there is no specific publicly available information detailing an increase in Airbus H125 helicopters owned or operated by Østnes Helicopters in the Nordic region, nor explicit data on their market share or usage there. For detailed, up-to-date information on Østnes Helicopters' fleet composition or market activity, consulting industry reports, company press releases, or direct inquiries with Airbus Helicopters or Østnes Helicopters would be required.
Looking forward, the #EuropeanRotors2024 event is upcoming, where we may see further announcements from Airbus and Østnes Helicopters.
The new H125 helicopters ordered by Østnes Helicopters will be utilized primarily for utility and aerial work missions in the Nordic region, boosting the company's fleet to over 160 Airbus H125 helicopters. In the ever-evolving landscape of the technology industry, Østnes Helicopters, as an authorized Airbus helicopter distributor in the Nordic countries, has also expanded its maintenance organization to include H145 models, reflecting the company's growth in the aerospace sector and its commitment to finance and maintain cutting-edge aircraft technology.
