Airbus Helicopters and GDAT sign contract for 50 H160 helicopters in China
During his visit to China, French President Macron oversaw the signing of a contract between Airbus Helicopters and GDAT, one of China's major helicopter lessors and operators. This agreement involves the purchase of 50 H160 helicopters, marking the largest single order for this model on the civil and parapublic market since its debut in 2015. The helicopters will be utilized for a range of purposes, such as offshore transportation for oil and gas platforms, wind farms, harbour piloting, as well as emergency medical services and other municipal public service missions, particularly within the energy sector. Additionally, the companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering areas such as support and services capabilities to ensure the long-term success of the H160 in China.
Airbus Helicopters' CEO, Bruno Even, expressed his gratitude for GDAT's decision to expand its all-Airbus fleet of 26 helicopters with the addition of the H160, noting that the helicopter's multi-mission design makes it well-suited for the various segments that lessors provide for.
According to Peter Jiang, Chairman of GDAT, the contract between Airbus Helicopters and GDAT is a remarkable demonstration of the importance of economic and trade cooperation between France and China. Jiang highlighted the H160's innovative design, which makes it a perfect addition to GDAT's fleet and an ideal solution for the energy sector in China. GDAT is a leading general aviation service provider in China, offering helicopter sales and leasing, maintenance and modifications, and government services, including emergency rescue flights. The group has its headquarters in Shanghai, four wholly-owned subsidiaries across China, operating bases in Suzhou and Ningbo, and an overseas branch in London.
The H160 is a multi-role helicopter that incorporates Airbus' latest technological innovations. Its Blue Edge blades provide superior comfort to passengers by reducing noise, and its excellent external visibility benefits both passengers and pilots. The H160's light maintenance plan optimizes operating costs and offers a new standard in availability, aligning engine and aircraft maintenance. The helicopter is certified to fly with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel and powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines, which deliver a 15% reduction in fuel burn.
Airbus Helicopters has been a crucial partner in the Chinese helicopter sector for more than 50 years, with over 300 Airbus helicopters currently in service in China, serving more than 90 customers.
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