Advanced Flight of New Zealand launches new ACH145 helicopter

New Zealand VIP and charter operator Advanced Flight has become launch customer for the Airbus ACH145 helicopter – the private and business aviation version of the new H145 announced at Heli-Expo.

The aircraft is the latest model in the portfolio of Airbus Corporate Helicopters, the premium brand of Airbus Helicopters, providing a tailored offering to meet the demanding expectations of the corporate and VIP markets and itself newly launched in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region.

Airbus unveiled at Heli-Expo the new version of the best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter which features an innovative five-bladed rotor, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg while delivering new levels of comfort, simplicity and connectivity.

The new rotor brings a significant increase in overall performance, with a maximum take-off weight raised to 3,800 kg and a useful load now equivalent to the aircraft’s empty weight. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations and improve ride comfort for passengers and crew, while the reduced rotor diameter will allow the H145 to operate in even more confined areas.

Advanced Flight has a relationship with Airbus stretching back nearly 20 years and currently operates 1 x H125, 5 x H130 & 1 x H145 on operations throughout New Zealand from its Auckland base. The new aircraft, which will feature a bespoke interior from ACH’s line of premium configurations, will be delivered in mid-2020.

Company Representative and pilot Stephen Farmer, said: “We are extremely familiar with Airbus” helicopters including the current H145. They have been great tools for us over the years as we have developed our business and there is no doubt in my mind that the new ACH145 is going to be an important enhancement to our service.”

Airbus Helicopters Head of ACH, Frederic Lemos, said: “Advanced Flight is one of Airbus Helicopters’ most loyal customers and we greatly appreciate the input that Stephen Farmer and the company have provided in the development process of the new ACH145. This aircraft is today the best light twin in the market thanks to excellent performance, comfort and maintenance advantages that are going to greatly benefit customers like Advanced Flight and their passengers.”

Businessman and Philanthropist Adar Poonawalla takes delivery of India’s first Airbus Corporate Helicopters ACH145

New Delhi – Airbus has delivered India’s first fully customised, ACH145 helicopter to Mr Adar Poonawalla, CEO and Executive Director of Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by doses. This marks the entry of the highly successful twin engine helicopter into India’s private and business aviation market. The helicopter will be ready to fly in India by the end of January.

“We are delighted with our selection of the Airbus ACH145 which is certainly a benchmark in its class. It has been chosen keeping in mind the highest levels of customization, comfort and safety. Also, Airbus Helicopters’ comprehensive local support system will ensure the optimal availability of the aircraft,” said Mr Poonawalla.

“Airbus is the market leader in civil helicopters in India. Our VIP customers come to Airbus Helicopters for unparalleled quality and a bespoke experience,” said Anand E Stanley, President and Managing Director, Airbus India & South Asia. “They rely on our products’ ability to combine state-of-the-art technology with new transportation possibilities.”

The helicopter provides a spacious cabin that can seat up to eight in ACH Line, ACH Mercedes Benz Style or ACH bespoke versions. The ACH145 features Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics, including a standard 4-axis digital Automatic Flight Control System for reduced pilot workload. Fenestron enclosed tail rotor dramatically reduces noise levels. The Turbomeca Arriel2E engines, with dual channel FADEC, generate 951 shaft horsepower for take-off and allow improved hover and one-engine inoperative performance as well as increased maximum gross weight capability.

“The latest delivery proves once again that Airbus is the only Original Equipment Maker which is able to offer helicopters embedding the highest levels of innovation and end-to-end solutions for the ease of operations of customers. The delivery of this helicopter is an important milestone for us,” said Ashish Saraf, Head, Airbus Helicopters India & South Asia.

ACH
Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) is the dedicated private and business aviation helicopter brand of Airbus Helicopters. ACH provides an exclusive platform from which customers can benefit from best in class products and services. Mirroring the successful sister brand Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), ACH provides current and future customers an end-to-end exclusive ownership experience ranging from helping customers to choose the right aircraft to designing a bespoke style. Finally, customers benefit throughout the period of ownership from a concierge-style support service which also ensures highest availability of the aircraft.