Leading Emirates-based air charter and sightseeing helicopter tours operator Falcon Aviation Services has ordered five new Airbus H130 helicopters that will arrive over the coming year for renewal of a fleet used intensively for Falcon Tours sightseeing flights.

COO Capt Ramandeep Oberoi says: "We are very pleased to add five brand new H130s into our fleet for our helicopter sightseeing tour operations. This will further our presence in the market and help us double this business in the coming years both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

Airbus Helicopters head of Africa and the Middle East Arnaud Montalvo adds: “We're delighted to receive this important vote of confidence from a highly professional operator that already has long experience with our helicopters.”

The good looking H130 is an intermediate single engine helicopter with a spacious cabin for one pilot and up to seven passengers that is popular with pilots who love its sporty and safe flying qualities.

It is the quietest helicopter on the market in its category, helped by Airbus' Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control, which make it a friendly neighbour in cities with a noise signature 6 dB below international ICAO limits.

The simple design, use of composite materials and the experience drawn from Airbus' mature Ecureuil family contribute to reduced maintenance costs and high availability.

Located at Al Bateen Executive airport in Abu Dhabi and Al Maktoum International airport in Dubai, Falcon Aviation Services provides a wide range of operational and aviation support services, including oil and gas aviation support, MRO, bespoke business jet charters services and helicopter sightseeing tours, FBO, aircraft management services and CAMO, heliport management and Inspection.