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ACE 2026 - September 8th

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Helipatagonia brings in Argentina’s first Airbus H160
In support of full operational readiness, Rotortrade facilitated pilot training coordination and technical cooperation with Airbus Helicopters and Helicopteros Marinos, ensuring a smooth and efficient EIS.
Airbus head of sales Vincent Maureau, head of LATAM Alberto Duek, Helipatagonia ops manager Alfonso Ricardo Naish, Rotortrade sales director Gabriel Durif and Helipatagonia president Marcelo Florio.
Read this story in our May/June 2026 printed issue.

Helipatagonia in Argentina has purchased an Airbus H160 helicopter courtesy of Rotortrade, the global pre-owned helicopter dealership. The delivery marks the entry of the first H160 into service in the country and the first of its type in operation in the Southern Cone.

The transaction was completed within a short timeframe, from contract signing and certification through delivery and entry into service, demonstrating Rotortrade's ability to manage both the technical and regulatory aspects of complex cross-border transactions.

The delivered H160 is configured for executive transport and VIP operations. The aircraft was delivered locally to Helipatagonia with the support of Helicopteros Marinos and Airbus Helicopters in Argentina.

Rotortrade oversaw the entire sales process, coordinating commercial and technical activities between its LATAM and European teams. In support of full operational readiness, the company facilitated pilot training coordination and technical cooperation with Airbus Helicopters and Helicopteros Marinos, ensuring a smooth and efficient entry into service.

The helicopter is now operated by Helipatagonia, a leading helicopter operator based in Patagonia, Argentina, specialising in charter flights, adventure tourism and aerial services since 2010. Operating from its private helipad at Lago Escondido in El Foyel, Río Negro, the company provides year-round services including executive transport, heliskiing, helifishing, aerial photography, cargo transport and wildlife control using rotary-wing aircraft. With extensive local expertise and highly trained pilots from certified academies, Helipatagonia maintains a strong focus on safety and operational excellence.

The transaction involved multiple stakeholders, including Rotortrade Mexico for LATAM coordination, Helipatagonia, Airbus Marignane, Airbus Cono Sur, Helicopteros Marinos, Sabena Technics and local authorities, all working in close collaboration throughout the project.

“Working with Rotortrade was a seamless and highly efficient experience. Its ability to manage the transaction end-to-end, anticipate challenges and coordinate all stakeholders made the process straightforward and reliable from start to finish,” says Alfonso Naish, operations manager at Helipatagonia.

“This project demonstrates our ability to coordinate complex transactions across regions while meeting demanding timelines, regulatory requirements and operational expectations,” adds Raymond Lubrano, EVP LATAM of Rotortrade. “The successful introduction of the first H160 in Argentina and in the Southern Cone was made possible through strong cooperation with Helipatagonia, Airbus, Helicopteros Marinos, Sabena Technics, local authorities and partners, and highlights the strength and operational capabilities of Helipatagonia.”

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