Canada's Forest Helicopters has signed an order for a light single engine H125 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters Canada. A utility operator with bases in Kenora and Pickle Lake, Ontario, the company will deploy the aircraft in a variety of missions including diamond drill support, powerline maintenance, fire suppression, wildlife services, airborne geophysics and precision aerial construction.

“We are proud to confirm this H125 order with Forest Helicopters, a legacy customer and long-time member of the Airbus family,” says president and CEO Romain Trapp. “The H125 outclasses all other single engine helicopters, excelling in extreme environments. We look forward to supporting Forest Helicopters' operations for many years to come.”

With a current Airbus fleet of five AS350s, this will be the first new generation H125 acquired by Forest Helicopters.

“The H125 was chosen for its performance, versatility, low maintenance cost and safety. It is the perfect fit for the wide variety of utility operations taking place in the demanding landscape of northern Ontario,” adds Forest president and operations manager Bart Stevenson. “Due to our previous experience with the AS350's quality and operational flexibility, we are confident in our decision to expand our portfolio with the H125.”

In order to enhance safety in operation, the H125 will be equipped with dual-channel FADEC, rupture-resistant fuel systems and dual hydraulics. The aircraft will be customised with a variety of Airbus optional equipment including hi-vis rotor blades, cargo pods, hi-vis doors, cargo mirror and an enlarged floor window for sling operations.