The latest model in Airbus Helicopters' product line for the private sector, the ACH160 medium twin, is to enter service in 2024 in the U.S., after the first deliveries took place in other regions.
The airframer is finalizing its own pilot training effort in the country, before customer pilots are trained themselves, says Frederic Lemos, head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH). Four ACH160s have been delivered in Brazil, Europe and Saudi Arabia since 2022. The type was certified in three other areas—Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. The ACH160's backlog now stands at 30.
“Combined, North America, Brazil and Europe account for 70% of our market in value,” says Lemos. From a pre-COVID-19 average of 200 helicopters per year, the global market shrank to 150 during the crisis. In 2021 and 2022, the private sector bounced back to 250 per year, says Lemos.
“ACH sales have grown in volume, and our market share has increased in value,” he emphasizes. In 2022, ACH logged 108 net sales, worth $790 million. The ACH130 remained the bestseller in the light single segment, at 36 orders, with the ACH125 second with 28 orders. In light twins, 10 ACH135s were ordered, in addition to 20 ACH145s. “The ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Style version will be refreshed in 2025,” Lemos says. In medium twins, 10 ACH160 orders came, in addition to two ACH175 orders.
Under ACH's umbrella, Airbus Helicopters counts sales to private owners, companies that use helicopters for their internal needs (as opposed to making a business out of helicopter operations), heads of state and high-end charter operators (as opposed to sightseeing flight operators).
Airbus Helicopters now intends to streamline the completion process for the ACH product line, Lemos says. It currently uses various schemes, from in-house completion to third-party suppliers. Design, integration and delivery remain under Airbus Helicopters' control. To ensure a consistent level of quality in completion, the company is considering standardizing cabin interior manufacturing processes, says Lemos.
