Helicopters ANH´s first H160 helicopter completes first flight

The first Airbus Helicopter H160 for Asian operator All Nippon Helicopters (ANH) has successfully completed its first flight. A 95-minute flight as Marseille Provence Airport has been performed by the manufacturer and this first flight paves the way for the aircraft´s entry into service soon.

Jun Yanagawa, President of ANH, commented: “We are delighted to see the successful inaugural flight of Japan’s very first H160, and we are looking forward to this next-generation helicopter playing an important role in our nationwide missions [...] “Since the introduction of the AS365 helicopter three decades ago, the requirements of the electronic news gathering market is constantly evolving and has significantly improved. This state-of-the-art helicopter H160 is a timely welcome for our operations.”

Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, added: “We are honoured to have ANH as our H160 launch customer in Japan, as they renew their fleet. This successful first flight is particularly meaningful during this unprecedented time for the industry. We thank our customer and the teams involved for devoting maximum efforts into this achievement. We will continue to provide our utmost support and ensure a smooth delivery to ANH.”

ANH is currently using an Airbus Helicopters fleet comprising of six AS365s and five H135. This latest H160 will allow the carrier to replace one of its AS365. With the aircraft, ANH will perform electronic news operations for the TV stations in Japan.

In July last year, the H160 was granted its type certificate by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA. In early 2021, Airbus expects the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to issue the certificate for Japan.

Upon delivery of ANH´s first H160 aircraft, specialised equipment installation and customisation will be performed at Airbus Helicopter´s facility in Kobe. This will happen before the aircraft´s entry into service to ensure a maximum of operational efficiency.

The H160 was designed as multi-role helicopter that is capable of performing a wide range of missions. Most operators are or will be using the aircraft for offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation or public services.