Melbourne-based logistics and supply chain company Linfox Group has taken delivery of Australia's first Airbus H160 helicopter, according to a statement from Airbus issued Monday.

With the delivery, Linfox became the first operator in Australia to bring the twin-engine H160 into service. The helicopter will support the company's business and corporate aviation needs, operating across Australia's varied geography from urban centres to regional destinations, Airbus said.

"Linfox has built its reputation over decades on the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational performance, and the H160 reflects exactly those principles," said Linfox founder Lindsay Fox. "Being the first to bring this aircraft into service in Australia is a proud moment for our team and a clear statement of our commitment to operating the most technologically advanced platform on the market."

The H160 is certified to carry up to 12 passengers, though Linfox Aviation has opted for an 8-passenger configuration, according to Airbus.

Olivier Michalon, executive vice president of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, welcomed the order. "We are incredibly proud of this endorsement of the H160 by one of Australia's most respected operators," he said. "The H160 joins their fleet as the world's most technologically advanced medium twin-engine helicopter, exceptionally suited for Australia's varied terrain."

The aircraft was prepared for entry into service locally by Pacific Crown Helicopters, a Part 145-certified maintenance organisation and long-standing Airbus Helicopters partner, the statement said.

According to Airbus, the H160 is designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing missions including search and rescue, homeland security, law enforcement, emergency medical services, military operations, offshore transport, and private and business aviation. The aircraft uses the company's Helionix avionics suite, which Airbus says improves situational awareness and reduces pilot workload.

Airbus said the H160's Arrano engines cut fuel burn by up to 18 percent compared with previous-generation engines in its class, and the aircraft is certified to operate on fuel blends containing up to 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel. Its curved Blue Edge main rotor blades are also said to reduce the aircraft's external noise footprint by up to 50 percent compared with earlier-generation helicopters, while design improvements have lowered the aircraft's empty weight, giving operators an additional 100 kg of payload or 60 nautical miles of range.

With the Linfox delivery, Australia joins a global fleet of more than 70 H160 helicopters, which Airbus said have together logged more than 14,000 flight hours over the past year.

Source: PR