Norwegian helicopter operator Helitrans has taken delivery of two Airbus H125 helicopters with digital logcards. In doing so it has become the first H125 operator able to manage the maintenance history of its aircraft components digitally, resulting in better data quality, time savings and simpler processes, reinforcing flight safety.

These helicopters are the first two in a series of seven H125s ordered by Helitrans to be delivered with fully digital logcards. They will be used for a wide range of missions that cover powerline construction and firefighting, as well as sightseeing trips, passenger transport, photography and telecom network development.

A logcard is a document that tracks the entire maintenance history of critical helicopter parts, from manufacture all along their in-service lives. The digital logcard replaces outdated paper logcards, prone to loss and error, storing digital content in a secured cloud. Airbus Helicopters first unveiled its digital logcards in March 2019, becoming the first helicopter manufacturer on the market to transform paper logcards into digital data.

“We welcome this innovative approach to logcard management, which is fully in line with our vision of digitising and simplifying processes within the company,” says Helitrans director of maintenance Per Erik Nesvold.

“Since April 2019, we've been progressively offering customers taking delivery of a new Airbus civil helicopter the option of receiving digital logcards,” adds project leader Jean-Michel Arlhac. “We're thankful for Helitrans' confidence in our new digital means and look forward to receiving valuable feedback in the months to come.”

Helitrans has been operating the H125 for almost 30 years from bases around Norway. It is one of the largest helicopter companies in Norway and one of the top 30 civil operators in Europe. With seven new H125s, its fleet will consist of 22 Airbus H125 and H130 helicopters.

The H125 and H130 account for almost 70 per cent of deliveries in their class in the last five years, according to Airbus. The Ecureuil fleet is composed of 5,000 helicopters in service with some 1,900 operators across the globe, and has accumulated more than 30 million flight hours.