Airbus Helicopters has delivered the world's first ACH160 to a customer in Brazil on the eve of the 17th edition of the annual LABACE expo at Congonhas airport, São Paulo.

“We are very proud that the world's first ACH160 has been delivered here in Brazil, and look forward to seeing its distinctive and elegant silhouette flying through the skies of São Paulo," says Jean-Luc Alfonsi, managing director of Airbus Helicopters' Brazilian customer centre Helibras. “Helibras is the leader in the Brazilian turbine helicopter executive aviation segment, and we are confident the ACH160 will set new standards for customers and operators wanting to make a distinctive choice in terms of safety, comfort and performance.”

According to data from the Brazilian General Aviation Association, more than 2,500 airports and 1,300 heliports in Brazil use corporate aviation services via jets, turboprops, piston aircraft and helicopters.

“The growing general aviation market in Brazil is crucial for increasing economic and social productivity, as well for maintaining the country's air connectivity,” he continues.

The ACH160 is the latest member of the ACH family and the most technologically advanced helicopter in its class. It provides 20 per cent greater volume per passenger compared to previous generation medium twin helicopters, 35 per cent larger windows than its competitors, resulting in the brightest cabin in its category, and 15 per cent lower fuel burn than its nearest competitor.

The ACH160 family is designed in three versions, Line, Line with Lounge package and Exclusive, to meet the different needs of this demanding market, with different levels of customisation to better fit the lifestyle of each customer. The ACH160's design, laying claim to 68 new patents, sounds the clarion call for innovation outperforming expectations. This rotorcraft comes with enhanced safety features and sets a new standard for passenger comfort; the canted Fenestron gives greater useful load and a flat attitude in flight, and sound-reducing Blue Edge rotor blades give quieter operations.