Airbus Helicopters has started to develop Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability for the H125 in partnership with Genesys Aerosystems, which will be available in the second half of 2024 from the Airbus Helicopters final assembly line in Columbus, Mississippi. It will consist of an upgraded cockpit, a new autopilot along with redundant hydraulic and electrical systems.

“Thanks to its recent innovations, the H125 remains an unrivalled product in terms of performance and value for money. This new IFR feature will expand the helicopter's mission capabilities in all weather conditions especially for critical missions such as public services, including law enforcement, emergency medical services and enhanced training, all missions that are in high demand worldwide, in particular in North America,” says Jérome Ronssin, head of light helicopters programme at Airbus Helicopters.

Airbus is targeting certification from major aviation authorities, including the FAA, during the second half of 2024, with the first deliveries by the end of that year.

Today, close to 4,200 H125 family helicopters are flying around the world in the most demanding conditions. The H125 is a market leader in the intermediate single-engine helicopter category, where it achieved a market share of 63 per cent in 2022. Last year, 161 H125 helicopters were ordered, 39 of which were in North America, setting a sales record for the past decade.

“Genesys is excited to partner with Airbus to offer an avionics solution to the H125 that allows an affordable option for IFR operations,” states Jamie Luster, Genesys Aerosystems director sales and marketing. “We expect the IFR option to be a popular choice in civil and special mission applications.”

“The H125 remains an unrivalled product thanks to its continuous improvements. This new IFR feature will expand the helicopter's mission capabilities in all weather conditions especially for critical missions such as public services, including law enforcement and EMS, and enhanced training,” said Jérome Ronssin. “The choice to partner with Genesys was made based on its extensive experience in designing state of the art avionics and in particular its experience certifying platforms for IFR operations.”