India-based rotary operator Chipsan Aviation has taken delivery of the first of two Airbus H160 helicopters on lease from Irish helicopter finance company GD Helicopter Finance. These will be the first H160s to operate in India, and Chipsan will operate the H160 onshore, servicing government and corporate missions.

Chief managing director Sunil Narayanan and director Daisy Cheriyan say: “We are very pleased to accept the first of two H160 aircraft on lease from GDHF. The H160, the first of its type to operate in India, will complement our growing fleet of aircraft and enable us to expand the range of non-scheduled air operations we deliver to our customers. We are grateful to GDHF for its professionalism and partnership, enabling Chipsan to bring these modern, efficient multi-mission helicopters to India.”

“GDHF is delighted to announce this delivery, the first-of-type introduction to the Indian market and the first of two H160 aircraft to Chipsan,” notes CEO Michael York. “We thank Chipsan for its confidence in GDHF’s ability to provide these highly effective multi-mission H160s on lease, and we look forward to introducing more aircraft to the Indian market.”

Regis Magnac, VP and head of energy, leasing and global accounts at Airbus Helicopters, adds: “We are delighted to congratulate GDHF on the delivery of the first of two H160 helicopters to Chipsan. This partnership marks the introduction of the H160 to India, where it will play a vital role in supporting both government and corporate operations. As one of the most innovative helicopters on the market, the H160 is an efficient, multimission aircraft that is now actively serving diverse and critical missions across the globe. Its technologically-advanced design, reduced fuel consumption and outstanding operational capabilities make it the ideal choice for a wide array of missions. We are proud to see the H160 gaining traction globally and are confident it will deliver exceptional value and performance in India.”