During French President Macron’s visit to China, Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with GDAT, one of China’s most prominent helicopter lessors and operators, for 50 H-160 helicopters. This contract is the largest single order for the H-160 on the civil and parapublic market since the helicopter was unveiled in 2015. The aircraft will be used notably for the energy sector, including off-shore transportation for oil and gas platforms, wind farms and harbour piloting, as well as emergency medical services and other municipal public service missions. The companies also signed a strategic cooperation agreement related to topics such as support and services capabilities, amongst others, in order to ensure the long term success of the H-160 in China. 

GDAT is China’s leading innovative general aviation service provider specialising in helicopter sales and leasing, maintenance and modifications, as well as emergency rescue flights, and other government services. The Group is headquartered in Shanghai and has four wholly-owned subsidiaries across China as well as operating bases in Suzhou and Ningbo, and an overseas branch in London.
 
 Designed as a multi-role aircraft capable of performing a wide range of missions, the model integrates Airbus’ latest technological innovations. It is already certified to fly with as much as 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel and is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines that offer a reduction in fuel burn.
 
Airbus Helicopters has been a key partner in the Chinese helicopter sector for over 50 years. Today, there are more than 300 units flying over China, serving over 90 customers.

The technical data sheet of the model is attached to this AVIONEWS.