PHI Aviation receives two H175s for Australian missions

The rotorcraft, which are based in Broome, Western Australia, have now entered service.

They will be used to provide search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation (medevac) services, as well as transport to the offshore energy sector.

Further H175s are due to join PHI Aviation’s fleet in the coming months. The company operates a number of bases across Australia – as well as Broome, they have a presence in Darwin in the Northern Territory, and Exmouth in Western Australia.

The helicopters can be reconfigured with hoists for SAR missions, or a medical interior for emergency evacuations from offshore oil rigs.

The Airbus H175 has a cruise speed of 267km/h, with a maximum range of 1,160km and a maximum endurance of 6hrs 9mins. It can carry up to 18 passengers in standard configuration, and can carry an external payload of 2,700kg.

“These state-of-the-art aircraft are a significant addition to our growing fleet in Australia,” said Cory Latiolais, PHI Aviation Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific. “They elevate our operational capabilities while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable innovation and delivering world-class service to our clients.”

Christian Venzal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters, Australia and New Zealand, added: “The high performance of the H175 aircraft in the challenging Western Australian environment is an excellent addition for the PHI Aviation fleet, especially with their focus on search and rescue operations, and marine transfers.”

Airbus delivered an H175 to the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau in China earlier this month.