AIRBUS DELIVERS FIRST OF 16 ADVANCED LAW ENFORCEMENT H125 HELICOPTERS

Airbus Helicopters (AHI) delivered the first of 16 new H125 helicopters uniquely configured for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO).

AMO collaborated with AHI as part of a long-term fleet upgrade initiative and the resulting configuration has led to one of the most advanced, high-tech law enforcement helicopters ever developed. “Our mission is to safeguard the nation by anticipating and confronting security threats,” said Steve Boyer, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for AMO. “Airbus Helicopters’ continued commitment to designing, manufacturing and delivering quality products will enable AMO personnel to successfully and safely carry out this mission.”

The first helicopter for the new configuration was tested and delivered from Airbus Helicopters Inc.’s facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. The remaining aircraft are being built in Columbus, Mississippi, where a workforce made up of 40 percent US veterans also produces the

UH-72A Lakota for the US Army and has delivered more than 450 single-engine H125 aircraft for the North American market. Following a rigorous analysis of its mission needs and next generation aerospace technology, AMO developed a set of requirements for the new helicopters, which Airbus put in place through nearly 30 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).The series of STCs are tied together through a primary all-encompassing STC that ensures all of the systems interact properly with one another and with the basic aircraft.

Airbus and AMO have a longstanding relationship of more than 30 years, during which Airbus has delivered more than 100 helicopters from the H120 and H125 family. This new acquisition was made possible through a partnership with Davenport Aviation, an SBA-certified woman-owned small business and HUBZone contractor specialising in the supply of aerospace equipment to federal, state and local government agencies. “We are honoured to partner with Airbus Helicopters and US Customs and Border Protection to support this fleet upgrade for enhanced law enforcement capabilities through the procurement of 16 new H125 helicopters from our GSA contract,” said Leah Simoes, Owner and Chairwoman of Davenport Aviation.

Throughout this project, we have been very appreciative of the support we have received from Airbus and CBP of our WOSB,

HUBZone Certified small business.

Known for its power, versatility and excellent performance in hot and high conditions, the H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel engine FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. The H125 is the single most popular law enforcement helicopter in the US, accounting for nearly half of all helicopters delivered for that mission in North America over the last decade.

The deal comes as part of THC’s commitment to further expand its fleet and introduce new services that fulfill market demand and support the development of the Kingdom’s wider aviation sector. Considered a multi-task aircraft, the Airbus H125 can carry up to six passengers and be easily reconfigured to suit varying requirements.THC will utilise the new additions to its fleet to roll out new services related to scenic tourism and aerial work such as filming, banner towing and surveying.

Commenting on the purchase agreement, Capt. Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC said: “By signing this agreement, THC has taken a massive step in expanding its fleet and implementing its ambitious operational plans.

We are proud to be contributing to the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation industries through our innovative air transport services that guarantee passengers a one-ofa-kind experience to relish the beauty of the Kingdom from above. I would like to thank our partners at Airbus Helicopters who have ensured we have reached an agreement that matches our requirements, and we look forward to furthering our collaboration in the near future. I would also like to extend our thanks to PIF for its enduring support since our founding as we work together to advance Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry.”

“This order marks the beginning of a new partnership with The Helicopter Company and we welcome it as a new Airbus Helicopters’ customer,” said Ben Bridge, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “The H125 is the perfect helicopter for developing commercial operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is a powerful and truly versatile aircraft particularly suited to hot and high environments,” he added.

CBH’s H125 in operation

PIF established THC as part of its strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realisation of Vision 2030 and generate long-term commercial returns. The Kingdom’s first local commercial helicopter operator, THC has been offering private flights since mid-2019 and is now expanding its services with the addition of the 10 - H125 helicopters to its fleet.

This new agreement will contribute to driving the development of Saudi Arabia’s nascent and increasingly dynamic tourism and aviation industries and support the integration of each sector’s respective value chains.

This service Centre comprises 2275 m2 of floor space, 450 m2 of workshop and store and an equivalent amount of office space. The site has been operating as an Authorised Service Centre for Leonardo helicopters in the country over the last 25 years and was the first Leonardo Excellent Service Centre on the continent.

Excellent ranking is assigned to selected Service Centres focused on maintaining third party helicopter fleets and having the largest scope of service capabilities, all whilst guaranteeing the continued achievement of Leonardo’s customers’ stringent expectations and considering specific market requirements. The first area of further enhancement implemented by Leonardo compared with previous services will be the spare parts availability, which will be further expanded.

The new service centre demonstrates Leonardo’s long-term commitment to the region and its customers, improving support to a fleet of more than 120 helicopters mainly operating in the Sub-Saharan African civil market. This is in line with the company’s industrial plans’ focus on stronger customer support services and proximity.

The facility includes maintenance hangars, bonded warehouse, workshops and other services and provides maintenance, product support, engineering services whilst reinforcing spares availability for a range of models including the AW119 single engine, AW109 light twin series, AW family including the AW139, AW169 and AW189, with the possibility to extend these capabilities to future products.

Enhanced services will contribute to maximise the helicopter fleet missions’ effectiveness and safety of operations to the benefit of operators, crews and the served communities. With over 100 helicopter service and maintenance centres worldwide to date, Leonardo plans to establish at least one ‘Excellent’ centre in all strategic markets.