Philippines first to order Airbus helicopters in SE Asia

MANILA, Philippines — European aerospace giant Airbus said it has secured its first ACH160 order in Southeast Asia through a Philippine customer.

Airbus Helicopters, the helicopter manufacturing division of the company, said the ACH160 order from an undisclosed new customer in the Philippines would be used for private and business flights within the country.

As part of the contract, the ACH160 will be backed by HCare First – the first premium support package in the region, catering to the specific needs of operators requiring worry-free aircraft availability.

“Launching the ACH160 in Southeast Asia with a new Philippine customer underlines the global attractiveness of our corporate helicopters offering to meet the evolving traveling needs of our customers,” Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) head Frederic Lemos said.

“We are equally excited to see our ACH products gaining good success in the growing Philippine private travel market,” Lemos said.

The ACH helicopter range is well regarded by passengers and pilots for its interiors and smooth and quiet ride due to its technologically advanced Helionix digital avionics systems that ensure carefree handling and a high level of safety.

Airbus Helicopters said the H160 is an innovative medium twin-engine helicopter designed to create added value for customers in terms of performance, economic competitiveness, safety and comfort.

The manufacturer said versions are available for the offshore transportation, business and private, public services, and commercial passenger transport markets, with its entry into service planned by next year.

Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services, has been present in the Philippines for some 40 years leading the corporate and parapublic helicopter market segments.

Through its Manila-based customer center, Airbus Helicopters Philippines provides maintenance, repair and overhaul, support and service solutions to more than 50 customers.