Melbourne-based logistics and supply chain group Linfox has taken delivery of Australia's first Airbus H160, becoming the first operator in the country to bring the twin-engine helicopter into service.

The aircraft will support Linfox's business and corporate travel requirements across Australia's geography, from metropolitan hubs to regional destinations. Certified for up to 12 passengers, the H160 has been configured by Linfox with eight seats. It was prepared for entry into service by Pacific Crown Helicopters, a Part 145 certified maintenance organisation and long-standing Airbus Helicopters partner.

The delivery follows Linfox's first order with Airbus, placed after a four-week demonstration tour of Australia during which the H160 completed more than 60 flights and covered over 2,000 kilometres of varied terrain.

“Linfox has built its reputation over decades on the highest standards of safety, professionalism and operational performance, and the H160 reflects exactly those principles,” says Lindsay Fox, founder of Linfox Group. "It is our first aircraft with Airbus, and we look forward to a long relationship with such a trusted company,” he adds.

“We're truly honoured by Linfox's endorsement of the H160's capabilities,” says Olivier Michalon, executive vice president of global business at Airbus Helicopters. “This order marks an important milestone for Airbus in Australia.”

The H160 is designed for a broad range of missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, emergency medical services, offshore transport and military operations, in addition to private and business aviation. It is fitted with the Helionix avionics suite, giving pilots intuitive controls and improved situational awareness alongside a reduced workload.

Its Arrano engines cut fuel burn by up to 18% compared with previous-generation types in its class, and the aircraft is certified to run on fuel blends containing up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel. Curved Blue Edge main rotor blades and a canted Fenestron tail rotor reduce the aircraft's external noise footprint by up to 50%. Weight reductions through the programme have added 100 kg of payload capacity or an extra 60 nautical miles of range.

Linfox's aircraft joins a global H160 fleet of more than 70 helicopters, which have logged over 14,000 flight hours in the past year. The type is already in service in Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the US, among other markets.