Airbus has delivered the first ever H160 to Japanese operator All Nippon Helicopter (ANH), heralding a new chapter for this next generation twin-engine helicopter.
With 68 patents, the innovative H160 is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter.
The multi-role H160 was delivered from Airbus’ helicopter facility in Kobe, Japan, where flight training and specialised equipment installation for electronic news gathering will be performed before the helicopter’s entry into service next year.
“It is an honour to have ANH as our very first H160 operator,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.
“I would like to thank ANH for their continued trust and confidence in our helicopters.
“I’m also very proud of the hard work and dedication of our teams in France and Japan in preparation of the aircraft delivery.
“I can’t wait to see this next-generation helicopter flying the skies of Japan, playing a key role in the country’s electronic news gathering market”.
“ANH is excited to be the first in the world to receive this state-of-the-art H160 helicopter to support our electronic news gathering missions,” said Jun Yanagawa, President of ANH.
“The electronic news gathering industry is changing rapidly, and we are happy to have the perfect helicopter for our operations, becoming the leading workhorse in our Airbus fleet.”
ANH deploys an Airbus helicopter fleet comprising five AS365s and five H135s.
“This H160 will join its existing fleet for electronic news gathering for the TV stations across Japan.