Héli-Union purchases two H160 helicopters

Patrick Molis, Héli-Union CEO, said: “We are excited to be one of the first customers to onboard the H160, which will expand our fleet of 40 helicopters. We believe this program will have a great future in both the civil and defense sectors and are delighted to be an actor of its growth.”

Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO, added: “We are proud that Héli-Union, with its vast experience across the globe, especially in offshore transportation, has selected the H160 to bolster its fleet of Airbus helicopters. The H160 not only raises the bar in terms of safety, thanks to its numerous pilot assistance features, but its reduced fuel consumption brings much needed operational competitiveness, as well as a lower carbon footprint, to the market.”

Addressing all major helicopter missions

With 68 patents, the H160 integrates Airbus Helicopters’ latest technological innovations aimed at increasing safety and comfort. The Blue Edge blades and the largest shrouded Fenestron tail rotor ensure low sound levels and deliver high-end performance at the same time. The aircraft’s compact size will be an added advantage to landing on oil platforms. Designed as a multi-mission helicopter aimed at addressing all major missions from offshore transportation, emergency medical services, search and rescue as well as other public service missions, the flexibility of the H160 will suit all kinds of operations around the world.

Héli-Union currently operates a fleet of approximately 20 Airbus helicopters from the Dauphin, the H225, and the H145 families and maintains a wide range of Airbus Helicopters products for third parties such as civil and defense operators.

Recently, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency certified a new Alternate Gross Weight (AGQW) for the latest version of Airbus H135 helicopters. The new AGW enables operators to benefit from an increased maximum take-off weight of up to 120kg (265 lb) and useful load.