Den Helder, Netherlands – Airbus Helicopters’ H160 helicopter has entered into service for its first European offshore energy missions. NHV Group has begun operating two helicopters leased from GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) to support oil and gas and offshore wind crew change operations in Northern Europe.
This entry into service marks a significant milestone in the global rollout of the H160, as the aircraft enters the European offshore energy market.
The transition to this next-generation platform addresses the increasing demand for new technology, improved operational safety, and fuel-efficient fleet solutions across the region. The two helicopters are configured for offshore crew change operations and are expected to operate primarily from NHV’s base in Den Helder, the Netherlands, with the flexibility to deploy across other European locations.
Said Lars-Henrik Thorngreen, CEO at NHV Group, said “The addition of the H160 represents another important step in NHV’s growth journey. By expanding our medium helicopter fleet with this next-generation aircraft, we strengthen our operational offering, enhance flexibility for our customers, and position the company for future opportunities in both existing and emerging markets.”
Michael York, CEO of GD Helicopter Finance, said “GDHF is delighted to support NHV with the introduction of the H160 for offshore energy missions in Europe. This aircraft sets a new standard for offshore operations and reinforces our focus on delivering efficient, next-generation helicopters to our customers.”
Regis Magnac, Head of Energy, Leasing and Global Accounts at Airbus Helicopters, said “Witnessing the H160 taking to the skies for its first European offshore energy missions is a proud moment for Airbus. This next-generation platform represents a massive leap forward in performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort, and was designed for the evolving needs of the energy sector. We are fully committed to standing by NHV as they deploy these advanced capabilities into their operational flights across Europe.”
The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class.
Capable of performing wide-ranging missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services, the H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, U.K., U.S. and many other European countries.
📍 De Kooy
NHV Launches First European Offshore Missions with Airbus H160
NHV Group has introduced the Airbus H160 into European offshore energy operations, deploying two helicopters from Den Helder to support oil and gas and offshore wind crew transport missions across Northern Europe.
The two H160s, leased from GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), have been registered through NHV's Danish subsidiary, which provides operational advantages for North Sea missions. NHV Denmark was the first operator in the region to obtain HeliSa Cat I authorization from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), allowing helicopter operations in lower visibility and more challenging weather conditions than normally permitted. This capability is particularly valuable in the North Sea, where rapidly changing weather can significantly impact offshore transport operations.
Did you know?
- The Dutch port of Den Helder serves as the primary helicopter gateway to the Netherlands offshore energy sector in the North Sea. For decades, helicopters have transported workers, equipment, and emergency personnel between the mainland and offshore oil and gas platforms located up to hundreds of kilometers offshore. As the North Sea energy industry evolves, Den Helder has also become a key hub for supporting offshore wind farms, with operators increasingly using modern helicopters to serve both traditional hydrocarbon installations and renewable energy projects across Northern Europe.