Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first ACH160—to a customer in Brazil—just ahead of the LABACE show that opened today. The ACH160 is the VIP-outfitted version of the H160, which entered service in December with Japanese operator All Nippon Helicopter for newsgathering missions.
“We are proud that the world’s first ACH160 has been delivered here in Brazil, and look forward to seeing its distinctive and elegant silhouette flying through the skies of São Paulo,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, the managing director of Airbus Helicopters Brazilian customer center Helibras. “We are confident the ACH160 will set new standards for customers and operators wanting to make a distinctive choice in terms of safety, comfort, and performance.”
According to data from the Brazilian business aviation association ABAG, there are more than 2,500 business aviation airports and 1,300 heliports in Brazil. “The growing general aviation market in Brazil is crucial for increasing economic and social productivity, as well for maintaining the country’s air connectivity,” noted Alfonsi.
The ACH160 family is designed in three versions—Line, Line with Lounge package, and Exclusive—each with different levels of customization. The ACH160 also features a canted Fenestron for greater useful load and a flat attitude in flight, as well as sound-reducing Blue Edge rotor blades.
