Canada-based charter helicopter company Phoenix Heli-Flight has bought the first utility-configured H130 aircraft from Airbus Helicopters in order to upgrade its fleet.
A member of Airbus Helicopters’ Ecureuil family, the aircraft went through a demonstration tour prior to the purchase.
Phoenix Heli-Flight president Paul Spring said: "After having the opportunity to demo the H130 aircraft, I knew that this aircraft was a natural evolution for us from the EC130B4. The B4 is an outstanding machine with state-of-the-art technologies.
"But the H130, with this specifically designed utility package, will enable us to better serve our clients with increased and elevated level of safety, efficiency and reliability."
The company serves several industrial sectors such as exploration, wildlife surveys, utilities, oil and gas, forestry, construction, infrastructure maintenance, corporate transport, general transportation of personnel, freight and wildfire suppression, as well as helicopter emergency medical services to Canada’s Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo areas.
Airbus Helicopters Canada CEO Romain Trapp said: "Phoenix Heli-Flight has amassed a reputation for excellent service and responsiveness throughout the region by continuously providing quality products and service.
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By GlobalData"Phoenix Heli-Flight’s missions are Airbus Helicopters’ missions and we look forward to supporting and assisting them with their future business objectives."
In addition to its utility package, the H130 features several Airbus Helicopters STC equipment, including cargo mirrors, a cargo sling, cargo pods and longline controller.
The H130’s wide, clear flat-floor cabin can accommodate sets of equipment required for utility operations, while the new aircraft technology and improved safety features incorporated in the aircraft also make it suitable for different challenging missions.
The aircraft also features a VEMD, with which the pilot can focus on the mission and improve flight safety.
In addition, the Fenestron included in the aircraft is claimed to increase efficiency, reduce noise and provide safety for ground personnel.
An improved version of Airbus Helicopters’ EC130 rotorcraft, the H130 is powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine that provides an average of 10% more power and decreased fuel consumption.
Image: Phoenix Heli-Flight buys Airbus Helicopters’ H130 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters.
