Strong sales figures reported by Airbus Helicopters in 2023
Airbus Helicopters Achieves Significant Growth and Innovation in 2023
Airbus Helicopters, a division of Airbus Group, reported a strong performance in 2023, contributing to the company's overall growth and resilience in a challenging environment. While the full detailed financial results for 2023 are not yet available, the division's 2023 achievements are worth highlighting.
In partnership with Airbus UpNext, Airbus Helicopters tested advanced autonomous features to simplify mission preparation and management, reduce helicopter pilot workload, and further increase safety. This development is a significant step towards the future of aviation, aiming to make flights safer and more efficient.
One of the key milestones of 2023 was the power-on of CityAirbus NextGen, the company's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The aircraft was assembled in Donauwörth and marked a significant step towards Airbus' goal of developing sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Airbus Helicopters delivered 346 helicopters in 2023, resulting in a preliminary 54% share of the civil and parapublic market. Furthermore, 140 new helicopters were covered by "by-the-hour" contracts, bringing the total to 2760 helicopters.
The H175M performed flight demonstrations in the extreme hot and high conditions of the desert in Saudi Arabia in 2023. The German armed forces also signed the largest H145M contract with up to 82 light attack helicopters at the end of 2023. Orders for Airbus Helicopters came from 179 customers in 47 countries.
Innovation was a key focus for Airbus Helicopters in 2023. The PioneerLab was unveiled to test hybridisation for twin-engine aircraft and introduce bio-based materials. Airbus also logged 410 gross orders in 2023, with a net total of 393.
Airbus ramped up the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for development test flights, training, deliveries, and ferry flights to 10%. The use of SAF is expected to be rolled out to other Airbus sites in 2024.
Notable innovations in 2023 included the first flight of the NH90 Sea Tiger, the state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the German Navy. The VSR700 demonstrated its performance during sea trials from a French Navy multi-mission frigate. The Spanish Navy took delivery of their first H135 helicopters. The first flight of the DisruptiveLab demonstrator featuring a new aerodynamic architecture also occurred in 2023.
Perhaps the most exciting innovation was the testing of an electric flight control system. This system allows for a single pilot stick to replace all three conventional controls, a first in the helicopter industry.
Airbus' 2023 full year financial results will be disclosed on 15 February 2024. Until then, the achievements and innovations of Airbus Helicopters in 2023 serve as a testament to the division's commitment to advancing aviation technology and creating sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Airbus Helicopters' 2023 achievements include partnering with Airbus UpNext to test autonomous features in helicopters, which is a significant step towards the future of aerospace technology and aviation. The division also tested an electric flight control system, a first in the helicopter industry, as part of their efforts to innovate technology and improve business efficiency.
