PHI signs framework agreement with Airbus

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.