Adar Poonawalla, CEO and executive director of Serum Institute of India, one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers, has taken delivery of India's first fully customised ACH145 helicopter courtesy of Airbus Helicopters. This marks the entry of the twin engine type into India's private and business aviation market. It is expected to enter service by the end of this month with Poonawalla Aviation and will be available for charter when not in use by the owner.

“We are delighted with our selection of the Airbus ACH145, which is certainly a benchmark in its class,” states Poonawalla. “It has been chosen with the highest levels of customisation, comfort and safety in mind. Also, Airbus Helicopters' comprehensive local support system will ensure the optimal availability of the aircraft.”

President and MD for Airbus India and south Asia Anand E Stanley adds: “We are the market leader in civil helicopters in India. Our VIP customers come to us for unparalleled quality and a bespoke experience. They rely on our products' ability to combine state-of-the-art technology with new transportation possibilities.”

The helicopter provides a spacious cabin that can seat up to eight in ACH Line, ACH Mercedes Benz Style or ACH bespoke versions. The ACH145 features Helionix avionics, including a four-axis digital Automatic Flight Control System for reduced pilot workload, while a Fenestron enclosed tail rotor is designed to reduce noise levels. Its Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, with dual channel FADEC, generate 951 shaft horsepower for take-off and allow improved hover and OEI performance as well as increased maximum gross weight capability.

“The latest delivery proves that Airbus is the only OEM able to offer helicopters embedding the highest levels of innovation and end-to-end solutions for the ease of operations of customers," concludes head of Airbus in India and south Asia Ashish Saraf.