PHI signs framework agreement with Airbus
Aviation services provider Petroleum Helicopter International (PHI) Group has signed a framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters for up to 28 helicopters
The agreement includes commitments by Airbus for up to 20 H175s and eight H160s. Airbus said ‘these commitments are composed of firm orders as well as purchase options’.
The H160 is a multi-role helicopter with a cruise speed of 255 km/h and a range of 880 km, at an endurance of 4h 30min using standard fuel tanks.
The H175 is a ‘super-medium’ rotorcraft which is capable of a mix of roles, including ‘offshore crew change, public services, and private or business aviation’. It has a cruise speed of 287km/h and a range of 1,111km, with an endurance of over six hours.
PHI primarily serves the energy sector, providing offshore transport, medical evacuation (medevac) and search and rescue (SAR) services.
“PHI strives to lead the industry in operating the safest and most reliable fleet of helicopters,” said Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group. “This agreement is a component of our broader strategy to bring new technology into an industry that has experienced a strong rebound after years of underinvestment.”
PHI also recently agreed a partnership with Virginia’s Valley Health System to operate air ambulance services in the region, through its PHI Air Medical subsidiary.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.