Airbus at EBACE 2019

Airbus Helicopters, May 22, 2019 - Geneva - Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) has delivered the first of two ACH145 helicopters to an existing private customer as the first step in a fleet renewal programme.

The two aircraft will be primarily flown from super yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions on behalf of the owner who is a highly experienced user of Airbus helicopters.

Isle of Man-based helicopter management and operation specialist Luviair will manage the ACH145s as well as an ACH160 that has been acquired. The three aircraft will replace another three currently in service.

The second ACH145 will be delivered in the final quarter of 2019 and the ACH160, which will be used for onshore transport, will be delivered following certification.

Luviair has operated a fleet of VIP Airbus helicopters for almost 20 years, managing every aspect of its clients’ operations from operational bases in London, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and on board some of the largest superyachts in the world.

The ACH145s feature the ACH Line interior cabin concept in a bespoke version designed by London-headquartered Harrison Eidsgaard who also created the exterior livery inspired by the yacht environment. The ACH160 will have the ACH Exclusive concept providing an exceptional level of luxury.

Frederic Lemos, Head of ACH, said: “We greatly value our relationship with this customer who knows our aircraft well, and we strongly appreciate their loyalty in selecting the ACH145 and, in particular, the new ACH160 after nearly two decades of operating Airbus helicopters.

“The transition to this new generation of Airbus helicopters is a clear demonstration that the ACH160 meets the demanding requirements of the most discerning corporate helicopter customers.”

The full ACH helicopter range consists of the ACH125, ACH130, ACH135, 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.

Eleven ACH160 VVIP Ordered

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.

ACH130 Over the English Countryside

A strikingly painted Airbus ACH130 helicopter, captured over the English countryside, is due to be delivered to mobile home park entrepreneur Alfie Best a few days after the EBACE exhibition.

Best, a proud Romany who recently featured on the Sunday Times Rich List, is acquiring the helicopter to support him in managing the numerous sites run by his company Wyldecrest Parks. He is also learning to fly helicopters himself.