Latest ACH160 order underlines market confidence in new model

Geneva, Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) has secured an additional sale for its latest ACH160 helicopter just days before the EBACE 2019 business aviation show in Geneva.

This new order, from an experienced UK helicopter operator which will use it for general corporate purposes, takes the ACH160 orderbook to 11 aircraft of which four have been won in the UK.

Two other ACH160s have been ordered by a privately owned UK company which is also a long-time corporate helicopter user, and a fourth UK aircraft has been ordered by an existing private Airbus Helicopters VIP customer to be managed by Isle of Man-based Luviair.

The H160 medium helicopter programme remains on-track for certification at the end of 2019 to be followed by the first ACH deliveries about one year later.

After recording 54 sales in 2017 following its launch at EBACE in May that year, ACH recorded 68 orders in 2018.

Mirroring sister brand Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), ACH provides an exclusive end-to-end ownership experience from first enquiry and ordering, through in-service support, to enhanced resale opportunities.

ACH delivers the highest standards in safety, technology, craftsmanship and service and is backed by HCareFirst – a premium support service aimed directly at the specific needs of operators typically recording low flight-hours but demanding worry-free aircraft availability when required.

Frederic Lemos, Head of ACH, said: “This substantial new business for the ACH160 even before certification is clearly demonstrating its very high level of acceptance in the market. These firm orders from highly knowledgeable customers are concrete evidence that the aircraft is addressing the needs of the most demanding operators.”

The full ACH helicopter range consists of the ACH125, ACH130, ACH135, new ACH145, ACH160 and ACH175 variants of Airbus Helicopters’ comprehensive and market-leading family of light and medium models. A range of premium-design aircraft completions, including bespoke solutions, is available for all models.

Renowned for its combination of versatility and comfort, the ACH range of helicopters is admired by passengers and pilots alike for its stylish interiors, smooth and quiet ride allied to its technologically advanced Helionix digital avionics system ensuring carefree handling and the highest level of safety.

Red Arrows Support Handover to UK’s HeliGroup of First ACH135 Helionix for VIP Charter

ACH135 & Red Arrows ©Lorette Fabre (Airbus Helicopters)

Monaco, UK operator HeliGroup has taken delivery of the first ever ACH135 Helionix for VIP charter operations from Airbus Corporate Helicopters at the Monaco Yacht Club during the annual yacht show in the Principality.

The handover event was attended by representatives of global aviation and yachting industries and supported by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, guests of honour following their air display at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Following in the footsteps of the UK Ministry of Defence, which took delivery of the first H135 Helionix in 2017, HeliGroup selected the aircraft in the lightweight, sports car-inspired ACH Line interior fit configured with the ACH135 five-seater business configuration. In this way, HeliGroup becomes the first VIP charter company worldwide to mark the introduction of the ACH135’s step change Helionix capability to private and business aviation.

Matthew Munson, Managing Director of HeliGroup Ltd, said, “We are delighted to be the first to introduce the advanced flight and safety benefits of the ACH135 Helionix to the VIP charter market, with the UK again leading the way in aviation. Our customers will benefit from the latest generation build standards and quality, complimented with a luxury interior making the ACH135 an ideal platform for a range of requirements.”

Frederic Lemos, Head of ACH, said, “Our customers can now benefit from the industryleading technology benefits Helionix brings on the ACH135, ACH145, ACH175 and soon to come ACH160. HeliGroup’s choice will ensure that their customers benefit from the ACH standards in quality and exclusivity while benefiting from the versatility and capability of a twin-engine helicopter which, nevertheless, can access to the most confined helicopter landing areas in both rural and urban spaces.”

The addition of the ACH135 Helionix alongside HeliGroup’s current AS355 NP Twin Squirrel, configured for passenger transport as well as utility operations, gives HeliGroup the flexibility to maximise its position in both the charter and utility missions markets.

Public presentation of first ACH130 delivered since the launch of Airbus Corporate Helicopters

Geneva, The ACH130 on display at Airbus’ EBACE stand is the first of its type to be delivered since the launch of Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and represents the first time the aircraft is displayed in public.

The aircraft, delivered in the racing-inspired, in-house Stylence by ACH configuration, provides a high-quality yet lightweight completion, suitable for high intensity flights and transport in extreme comfort.

The aircraft, acquired by an unnamed customer, will be operated by Monacair. Frederic Lemos, Head of ACH, said, “The ACH130 combines unique passenger-focused design, exceptional single-engine performance and first class quality and comfort, making it very popular with private customers worldwide and a favourite of world-leading VIP and charter operator, Monacair, who operate a total fleet of eight ACH130.

Airbus Helicopters Airbus Launches ACH – Airbus Corporate Helicopters: the Dedicated Private and Business Aviation Helicopter Brand

Airbus Launches ACH – Airbus Corporate Helicopters: the Dedicated Private and Business Aviation Helicopter Brand

Geneva, Airbus Helicopters has launched Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH), its high-end, bespoke brand, at EBACE 2017. The brand, which will be identified by the ACH logo, will build on the company’s leadership in the Private and Business Aviation market, offering a unique level of quality finish, craftsmanship and bespoke service matching the most demanding requirements.

ACH provides an exclusive platform from which customers can benefit from best in class products, tailored completion and service. Mirroring the successful sister brand Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), ACH will provide current and future customers an end-to-end exclusive ownership experience ranging from advice helping customers to choose the right aircraft and design a bespoke style. Finally, customers will benefit throughout the period of ownership from a concierge-style support service which, in addition to ensuring the highest availability of the aircraft anywhere in the world, will help preserve the aircraft’s resale value as a result of a dedicated care and support by the manufacturer.

Helicopters are the ideal complement to corporate and VIP customers due to the unique capabilities rotary wing aircraft bring; primarily providing a point-to-point transport for business and corporate customers and an enhanced lifestyle for VIP customers enabling luxury travel between assets or even to remote, inaccessible locations.

ACH’s offering, supported by a bespoke service to help tailor the most demanding customer requirements, comes in three different product lines:

- ACH Line – Based on Airbus Corporate Helicopters’ in-house style concept, this interior cabin line is the perfect response for those looking for a light and efficient design. Clean lines and spare style.

- ACH Exclusive – This interior line responds to those looking for a truly exclusive environment with the highest standards of refinement, luxury and comfort.

- ACH Editions – A portfolio of Airbus Corporate Helicopters special collaborations and partnerships with luxury brands and designers, ranging from Hermes to Mercedes Benz and including designs by world-renown designer Peder Eidsgaard.

Availability of aircraft is increasingly important to all customers, but this is especially true for the VIP market where low annual use of the helicopter brings high expectations when the aircraft is required. To address this, ACH will introduce HCare First, a tailored version of HCare, the rotorcraft industry’s most comprehensive support package, which provides a concierge-style service providing support anywhere across the globe.

With the launch of ACH, Airbus becomes the only aerospace manufacturer to offer dedicated range of jets and helicopters. Today the company is leveraging its aerospace pedigree through a distinctive range of aircraft for both corporate and VIP customers in the high end, luxury market.

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