Le Havre-Fécamp Pilot Station has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of an H135 to be used for marine pilot transfers in the English Channel. By the end of 2024, the H135 will replace an AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopter that has been in service for more than 12 years. The agreement also includes a 10 year support and service contract covering spare parts, training and logistics services.

“We are proud that the Le Havre-Fécamp Pilot Station has chosen the H135 for its marine pilot transfer missions,” says Airbus head of sales, western Europe Baudoin Marraud des Grottes. “The H135 has proven it is perfect for those missions with customers all over the world, especially thanks to the Helionix avionics suite, which reduces pilot workload and increases safety during hoist operations.”

President Pavel Pereira adds: “From our first machine in 1976 to our sixth today, we are celebrating 47 years of fruitful collaboration between the two companies with the purchase of the H135. Helicopters enable our marine pilots to board and disembark ships arriving at the ports of Le Havre, Antifer and Fécamp, and contribute to the fulfilment of our public service missions throughout the year.”

Le Havre’s decision to sign for an H135 will allow synergies with the ports of Dunkirk and Gironde, which operate helicopters of the same type. Le Havre was the first port in the world to introduce helicopter services for marine pilot transfer in 1976 with the acquisition of an Alouette III.

Le Havre’s H135 will be equipped with an emergency flotation system and external liferaft system, both certified up to Sea State 6, helicopter emergency egress lighting, automatic deployable emergency locator transmitter and a powerful hoist.