Airbus Helicopters has secured an ACH160 order from an undisclosed new customer in the Philippines, launching this new model in the southeast Asia and Pacific region. It will be used for private and business flights within the Philippines archipelago.

The aircraft will feature the ACH160 Exclusive version highlighting two wide hinged doors and electrical footsteps combined with a bespoke cabin, accommodating up to eight passengers in a handcrafted interior for what Airbus describes as a truly business-jet like experience.

As part of the contract, the ACH160 will be backed by HCare First, the first such premium support agreement in the region, catering to the specific needs of operators requiring worry-free aircraft availability.

“Launching the ACH160 in southeast Asia with a new Philippine customer underlines the global attractiveness of our corporate helicopters offering to meet the evolving travelling needs of our customers,” says Frederic Lemos, head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH). “We are equally excited to see our ACH products gaining good success in the growing Philippine private travel market.”

The H160 is Airbus Helicopters' innovative medium twin-engine helicopter designed to create added value for customers in terms of performance, economic competitiveness, safety and comfort. Versions are available for the offshore transportation, business and private, public services, and commercial passenger transport markets. Its entry into service is planned for 2020.

Renowned for its combination of versatility and comfort, the ACH helicopter range is well regarded by passengers and pilots for its stylish interiors, smooth and quiet ride allied to its technologically advanced Helionix digital avionics systems ensuring carefree handling and a high level of safety.

The full ACH range consists of the ACH125, ACH130, ACH135, new ACH145, ACH160 and ACH175 variants of Airbus Helicopters' comprehensive and market-leading family of light and medium models. A range of premium-design aircraft completions, including customised solutions, is available for all models.

Airbus has been present in the Philippines for some 40 years leading the corporate and parapublic helicopter market segments. Through its Manila-based customer centre, Airbus Helicopters Philippines provides maintenance, repair and overhaul, support and service solutions to more than 50 customers.