Derazona to be Asia’s first H160 operator for oil and gas

  

Airbus Helicopters has secured an H160 order from Derazona Helicopters in Indonesia, launching this new rotorcraft in the country’s oil and gas sector. The multi-mission H160 will play an important role in the expansion plans of the Indonesian operator for oil and gas, off-shore, utility and commercial passenger transportation.

“This new order is a timely welcome as our company embarks on a transformation journey to grow our business. We are very impressed by the performance of the H160, and excited at the opportunities that this state-of-the-art helicopter will bring to our operations,” said Ramadi Widyardiono, Business Development Manager of Derazona Helicopters.

“We are greatly honoured by Derazona’s vote of confidence, becoming not just the country’s first H160 operator, but our oil and gas launch customer in the Asia Pacific region,” said Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia Pacific of Airbus Helicopters. “The H160 is a game-changer, setting new standards for safety, performance, comfort and design. We trust that it will be a valuable asset to our customer as they bolster their operations with this versatile workhorse,” he added.

With 68 patents, the innovative H160 is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter designed with passenger’s safety and comfort in mind. The design features an unprecedented suite of pilot aids delivered through its Helionix avionics which substantially reduces crew workload and decreases the risk of pilot error.

The aircraft has been designed from the very beginning to comply with the demanding conditions of oil and gas operations. The aircraft’s compact size will be an added advantage to landing on oil platforms. Powered by Safran Helicopter Engines’ latest Arrano engines, the H160 enjoys a 15% reduction in fuel burn, contributing immediately to reducing emissions. The Blue Edge blades and the largest shrouded Fenestron tail rotor ensure low sounds levels and deliver high end performance at the same time.

Designed as a multi-mission helicopter capable of addressing key missions from offshore transportation, private and business aviation, aeromedical services, search and rescue, as well as other public service missions, the inherent flexibility of the H160 will suit all kinds of operations around the world.

All Nippon Helicopter’s H160 completes first flight

 

Marignane, 14 January 2021 – All Nippon Helicopter’s (ANH) H160 has performed its first flight test, a 95-minute flight at the Marseille Provence Airport. This successful maiden flight paves the way for the aircraft’s entry into service in Japan.

ANH deploys a helicopter fleet comprising six AS365s and five H135s for electronic news gathering for the TV stations across Japan. This H160 will replace one of its AS365s.

“We are delighted to see the successful inaugural flight of Japan’s very first H160, and we are looking forward to this next-generation helicopter playing an important role in our nationwide missions,” said Jun Yanagawa, President of ANH. “Since the introduction of the AS365 helicopter three decades ago, the requirements of the electronic news gathering market is constantly evolving and has significantly improved. This state-of-the-art helicopter H160 is a timely welcome for our operations.”

The H160 was granted its type certificate by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2020, with the certification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) expected in early 2021. Upon delivery of the helicopter, specialised equipment installation and customisation will be performed at Airbus Helicopters’ Kobe facility, before its entry into service.

“We are honoured to have ANH as our H160 launch customer in Japan, as they renew their fleet. This successful first flight is particularly meaningful during this unprecedented time for the industry. We thank our customer and the teams involved for devoting maximum efforts into this achievement. We will continue to provide our utmost support and ensure a smooth delivery to ANH,” said Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan.

Japan’s electronic news gathering market is a mature market with 87 helicopters dedicated for such missions today. Close to 70% of these helicopters are manufactured by Airbus, with the H125, AS365, H135 and H155 platforms commonly used by the operators. With the imminent introduction of the H160, which is equipped with additional safety features from the Helionix’s accrued pilot assistance, this helicopter will bring added leverage to the operator.

Designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions such as offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation, as well as public services, the H160 integrates Airbus’ latest technological innovations. The helicopter provides passengers with superior comfort thanks to the sound-reducing Blue Edge blades and superb external visibility that benefits both passengers and pilots.

The H160 lands in Las Vegas, kicking off Airbus’ presence at Heli-Expo

H160 prototype, H145, H135 and H125 alongside a full range of updated HCare digital solutions
H160 prototype, H145, H135 and H125 alongside a full range of updated HCare digital solutions
Las Vegas, USA, The H160 prototype has landed in Las Vegas and will be headlining Airbus Helicopters’ presence for the first time ever at an international airshow at this year’s Heli-Expo from 27 Feb - 1 March at the Las Vegas convention centre. Showgoers will be able see for themselves the #H160ReasonsWhy the H160 is raising the bar in the industry.

“We are proud to be bringing the H160 prototype to Heli-Expo for the first time”, said Ben Bridge, Executive Vice President for Global Business. “This aircraft is emblematic of the company’s transformation in every domain from concept and design, to the revamped industrial production model enabling enhanced industrial maturity from entry into service, and capitalizing on key digital technologies for greater customer support and maintenance. All of this has been done with our customers’ priorities in mind, and we are excited that they will get to experience the H160 shortly with the US demo tour kicking off after the show,” he added.

Maintenance demos on the H160 will be performed daily to show how maintenance has been optimized and facilitated thanks to its unique design and new processes like the “Operator Zero” campaign.

Alongside the second prototype of the H160, on booth N1915, Airbus Helicopters will be displaying its HGeneration range of mission enablers including HCare services that allow customers to focus on their operations safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. On display will be an H125 in a law enforcement configuration, the H135 equipped with Helionix, and the H145 in a private and business aviation configuration.

In its on-going commitment to innovation and the future of flight, Airbus Helicopters is incorporating new digital and electrical technologies into products and services alike. A great example of this is CityAirbus, Airbus’ self-piloted battery powered aircraft designed with the latest safety standards to transport four passengers for inner-city flights. A mock-up of this innovative project will be showcased at Heli-Expo as the project team is busy maturing technologies that will allow a demonstrator to fly at the end of this year. However Urban Air Mobility for Airbus Helicopters does not stop at the aircraft itself and as part of its new customer services offer, Airbus Helicopters intends to provide travellers with on-demand helicopter services to escape urban congestion by taking to the skies, as the recently integrated Voom project exemplifies.
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