Airbus has delivered New Zealand’s first ACH160 helicopter to Auckland-based charter operator Advanced Flight, following the aircraft’s grant of New Zealand Type certification by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority. The delivery is also the first ACH160 to enter service in the Pacific region.
The aircraft will be used for passenger transport across the North and South Islands. Although the H160 is certified for up to 12 passengers, the ACH160 variant, tailored for private and business aviation, is designed to accommodate up to 10. Advanced Flight has selected an eight-passenger configuration.
“Advanced Flight are honoured to play a role in bringing the ACH160 to New Zealand, continuing our longstanding relationship with Airbus. This delivery represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovation, safety, and delivering world-class aviation services. It also reflects the depth of experience within our team and pilots, who consistently lead the way in operating and supporting some of the most advanced aircraft in the World,” says Keith Stephens, CEO and pilot at Advanced Flight.
“We are incredibly proud of Advanced Flight’s endorsement of the ACH160’s capabilities and are thrilled to celebrate this milestone handover,” says Christian Venzal, managing director of Airbus’ helicopter business in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. New Zealand adds to the growing list of aviation authorities that have approved the platform.
“We know how much of a game-changer this platform can be for communities around the world. Customers who have adopted it are benefiting from greater fuel efficiency and quieter operations. These innovations, alongside a remarkably spacious cabin interior, provide the smoothest ride on the market for all applications, from commercial passenger transport to critical missions like treating medical evacuation patients on board,” adds Venzal.
The H160 features the Helionix avionics suite, which Airbus says delivers intuitive flight controls, improved situational awareness and a reduced pilot workload. Through design improvements, the H160’s empty weight has been reduced, providing operators with an increased payload of 100kg or an additional 60nm of range. The aircraft operates with an 18% reduction in fuel consumption and a 50% reduction in perceived sound.
The delivery takes the global H160 fleet to more than 65 helicopters operating worldwide.
©Airbus Helicopters – Photo by Ned Dawson
