Airtelis, a subsidiary of French electricity transmission system operator RTE, has signed a framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of up to five H145 helicopters, including the firm order of one. The helicopters will be operated and used by Airtelis’ subsidiary Oya Vendee Helicopteres, which provides support for the offshore wind industry.

“The H145 has proven to be the perfect helicopter for our offshore wind operations during the construction of the new Yeu Noirmoutier offshore energy platform off the coast of Nantes,” says executive president Laurent Giolitti. “We look forward to expanding those operations with the H145 and to provide support to the renewable energy market.”

“Thanks to its significant capacity for transporting passengers and cargo, as well as its outstanding hover performance for hoisting operations, the Airbus H145 has proven itself the helicopter of choice for offshore wind operators,” adds Baudoin Marraud des Grottes, head of sales Western Europe at Airbus. “We're proud and thankful to have the trust of Airtelis with our helicopters as it looks to expand its offshore operations.”