GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), based in Ireland, has firmed up 10 options for Airbus H175s, doubling its firm commitment to 20 aircraft. The first of these super medium helicopters delivered in December 2024.

GDHF has also contracted a package of configuration enhancements for the fleet. These are intended to further optimise the H175’s capabilities in offshore energy transport and LIMSAR roles.

“This high conviction decision reflects our observation of strong sustained demand for modern, cost-efficient helicopters in the offshore energy sector and the H175 in particular,” says GDHF CEO Michael York. “GDHF is proud to offer near term availability of the H175 to our customers. The configuration enhancements GDHF has made will widen the mission capabilities of the GDHF H175 aircraft for our customers and end users.”

Airbus Helicopters VP and head of energy, leasing and global accounts Regis Magnac adds: “GDHF's decision to convert the H175 options into firm orders is a powerful endorsement of the H175's robust asset valuation. Its commitment to enhancing the H175 for multirole capabilities, including offshore passenger transport with integrated lifesaving SAR functionality, demonstrates a deep understanding of the versatile operational requirements of their clients.”

Previously, in April 2024, Airbus and GDAT Group signed for up to 20 H175s, with GDHF, a GDAT subsidiary, responsible for marketing them worldwide. That agreement followed GDHF's broader availability deal covering 50 H160s and 20 H175s.

GDHF says its aim is to provide near term access to modern, multi-mission helicopters. Airbus CEO Bruno Even said the contracts underlined the competitiveness of both the H175 and H160 platforms for the global market.

The H175 has been in service since 2015. A total of 55 aircraft have logged more than 210,000 flight hours, with the energy sector accounting for 184,000 of them.