FRANCE- Airbus Corporate Helicopters is optimistic about delivering the initial ACH160 in the United States (US) in early 2024, subsequent to the medium-twin’s certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in June of this year.
During a press conference before NBAA on October 16, Treg Manning, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America at Airbus Helicopters, mentioned that the company currently has five ACH160 helicopters ready for delivery to customers in the USA and Canada.
Airbus ACH160 Helicopter Delivery Update
The training of pilots is currently in progress, and the helicopter is expected to be operational in the United States during the first quarter of 2024. Furthermore, Transport Canada certification is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.
Demonstrating their confidence in the market reception of their newest helicopter, the manufacturer brought an ACH160 to the NBAA event for the first time, where it is displayed in the static exhibit.
Customers in the United States have patiently awaited the delivery of their new helicopters since the manufacturer obtained European approval for the rotorcraft in the summer of 2020. The validation process for the United States was initially expected to proceed promptly.
Still, it extended over three years due to the FAA’s response to oversight issues highlighted by the Boeing 737 Max crisis, which resulted in a slowdown in the certification process for all new aircraft. An issue with the H160’s multi-function displays also contributed to the extended delay.
Executive Insights
According to Frederic Lemos, who heads ACH, the new helicopter is ideal for replacing older medium-sized helicopters currently in service. This includes models such as the Sikorsky S-76C, Leonardo Helicopters AW139, and Airbus’s AS365 Dauphin. At present, the manufacturer has secured 30 orders for the ACH160.
Furthermore, Treg Manning observes interest from the North American market in the larger ACH175. He notes, “We are witnessing a demand for it in North America.
As soon as we mentioned pursuing FAA certification, we began receiving inquiries.” He anticipates that US approval for the ACH175 will be granted next year.
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