Airbus Helicopters has been working alongside Shell Aircraft to put the H160 into service for offshore transportation.

“Shell seeks opportunity for early introduction to service of the H160. Having worked closely with Airbus over the last year to understand the design and manufacturing philosophy behind the H160, we believe this innovative helicopter offers a potential step change in safety and operational capability. To benefit from those new capabilities at the earliest opportunity, we are remaining fully engaged with Airbus through its final certification stages and looking for opportunities to achieve an accelerated introduction to offshore service,” says Tony Cramp, VP aircraft, Shell.

“We are honoured that Shell Aircraft wants to be the first to introduce the H160 into service for offshore transportation,” explains Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “The H160 integrates Airbus Helicopters' latest technological innovations that introduce breakthrough safety features with Helionix's accrued pilot assistance and automated features as well as flight envelop protection. The aircraft's compact size will be an added advantage to landing on oil platforms.”

The H160 is due to enter into service later this year.