New H125 joins McDermott Aviation’s Sunshine Coast fleet

McDermott Aviation has taken delivery of a factory-new Airbus H125, expanding its specialist helicopter fleet in Australia.

The aircraft, powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine, will be based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, and is intended to support the operator’s work in Australia and overseas.

McDermott Aviation President and Founder John McDermott said the acquisition formed part of the company’s longer-term fleet investment.

“The addition of the Airbus H125 represents another step forward in that journey and provides a modern, highly versatile platform that complements our existing fleet.”

The company selected the H125 partly for its compatibility with its existing aircraft. McDermott said the type shares similarities with its AS355 F1 helicopters, allowing the operator to draw on existing maintenance knowledge, tooling, and parts support during integration.

The acquisition is part of a wider program to modernize and expand McDermott Aviation’s fleet as it develops its specialist aviation operations. The company describes itself as Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter operator.

McDermott said the operator would continue investing in aircraft, personnel, and infrastructure as its operations develop. “As our operations continue to evolve both in Australia and internationally, we will continue investing in the aircraft, people, and infrastructure needed to support our clients.”

The H125 is widely used for utility, emergency response, and other specialist missions, giving McDermott Aviation a single-engine platform suited to a range of operational roles.