Jessica is Executive Editor of Business & Commercial Aviation magazine. She started as Editor of ShowNews Online, Aviation Week's on-site trade show daily published at the Paris Air Show, NBAA Annual Convention, Singapore Air Show and at other significant aerospace gatherings.
Jessica has worked in television production and management consulting. While not yet a licensed pilot, Ms. Salerno has received flight instruction and has soloed.
The Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) annual HELI-EXPO, held March 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, drew 18,272 registered attendees, hosted 735 exhibitors, including 57 aircraft on the convention hall floor. An upbeat Matt Zuccaro, HAI President and CEO, said at the time that “a lot of business is being done on the show floor.” And a lot of newsworthy announcements were forthcoming as well.
Airbus Helicopters announced the launch of its new H160 medium helicopter. The 5.5-6-metric-ton helicopter is intended to challenge AgustaWestland’s AW139, which has dominated the medium helicopter segment for a decade. Airbus says the H160 will be able to carry 12 passengers out to an oil platform 120 nm offshore, complete a missed approach and return to land on the same tank of fuel, all at a cruise speed of around 160 kt. It will be powered by a pair of Turbomeca Arrano 1A turboshaft engines.
