During French President Macron’s visit to China,
Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with GDAT, one of the country’s
most prominent helicopter lessors and operators, for 50 H160s.
The contract is the largest single order for the
H160 on the civil and parapublic market since the helicopter was
unveiled in 2015.
The helicopters will be used by the energy
sector, including offshore transportation for oil and gas
platforms, wind farms and harbour piloting, as well as emergency
medical services and other municipal public service missions.
The companies also signed a strategic cooperation
agreement related to topics such as support and services
capabilities, amongst others.
“We are honoured GDAT has decided to bolster their
all-Airbus fleet of 26 helicopters with the addition of 50 H160
helicopters. The H160 has been designed at the outset as a
multi-mission helicopter and is therefore well suited to the
multiple segments that lessors provide for,” said Bruno Even, CEO
of Airbus Helicopters.
GDAT is one of China’s leading innovative general
aviation service providers specialising in helicopter sales and
leasing, maintenance and modifications, as well as emergency
rescue flights, and other government services.
The group is headquartered in Shanghai and has
four wholly-owned subsidiaries across China as well as operating
bases in Suzhou and Ningbo, and an overseas branch in London,
England.
“This contract is a great example of the
importance of economic and trade cooperation between France and
China. The innovative H160 is the perfect addition to our fleet
and will enable us to continue our success story on the Chinese
market that began with our 21 H225 helicopters. We see a lot of
potential for the H160 in China, in particular for the energy
sector,” said Peter Jiang, Chairman of GDAT.
The H160 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 is already
certified to fly with as much as 50% SAF and
is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran
Helicopter Engines that offer a 15% reduction in fuel burn.
Airbus Helicopters has been a key partner in the
Chinese helicopter sector for over 50 years. Today, there are more
than 300 Airbus helicopters flying over China, serving more than
90 customers.
