Queensland operator Nautilus Aviation has taken delivery of the first of two new H130 helicopters to be deployed for the Great Barrier Reef tourism operator Quicksilver Group, based in Port Douglas.

“As we have been successfully operating H130s for a number of years now, the choice of new aircraft for the Quicksilver operation was an easy one to make,” says Nautilus Aviation CEO Aaron Finn. “It's the ideal helicopter for tourist operations in terms of comfort, view and ease of maintainability. With the ability to carry seven passengers, the H130 becomes a very economical platform to operate in a high volume operation. The addition of the latest H130 brings the total in our fleet to four, with the delivery of a fifth expected later this year.”

“As one of the quietest helicopters in the skies, the H130 sets the standard for tourism operations worldwide. Its very low sound level is quieter than the most restrictive limits defined for flights over national parks, animal reserves and urban areas, and it is ideal for operations over the iconic Great Barrier Reef,” adds Airbus Australia Pacific managing director Andrew Mathewson. “The wide, unobstructed cabin provides outstanding visibility through a large wrap-around screen and wide windows. Added to this are the exceptional safety aspects of the shrouded Fenestron tail rotor and robust contained fuel system.”

Airbus has a long standing business relationship with Nautilus Aviation and the new purchases extend that agreement with through-life support of the new and existing Airbus helicopter fleet, encompassing HCare service solutions and full technical support. Mathewson goes on to say: “I'm delighted that Airbus was able to hand over the new H130 helicopter, in new distinctive Quicksilver livery, at the Airbus approved maintenance centre, Pacific Crown Helicopters, based at the Sunshine Coast airport.”

Today, there are around 700 H130 helicopters flying globally by more than 380 operators in 65 countries. 36 per cent of the global H130 fleet is used for commercial passenger transportation and tourism.