HI Uplift: Aero Asset report reveals pre-owned twin supply shrinks plus more 

Pre-owned twin-engine helicopters - like this Airbus EC135P2+, pictured in EMS configuration - are experiencing shrinking supply and rising prices, reveals Aero Asset's latest market report.

The shrinking supply of pre-owned, twin-engine helicopters, revealed by Aero Asset and the first delivery of an Airbus H160 to Australia lead our roundup of recent hot topics from the world of civil rotary aviation.

The supply of pre-owned twins offered for sale fell by 33% to its lowest level in five years in the first half of this year, according to the latest report from broker and market intelligence firm Aero Asset. In response, retail sales climbed 8% year-over-year (YOY), according to the 2026 Half Year Twin-Engine Edition report.

Tighter inventory also improved the overall absorption rate from 18 months a year ago to 11 months. “While transaction activity increased during the first half of the year, the most significant development was the continued contraction in supply for sale,” said Valérie Pereira, vice president of Market Research. “Supply reached a five-year low while pricing continues to strengthen, creating a favourable environment for sellers. The improvement in absorption rate reflects a balanced market.”

Stronger sales were seen for medium-twins and heavy-twins, as light-twin sales softened, she added. Prices for Sikorsky’s S-92 reached a five-year peak.

North America retained its crown as the largest market during the first half, accounting for 46% of all transactions. Europe achieved the strongest growth in retail sales – 75% up on the first half of last year. Read the full report here.

First H160 delivery in Australia

Airbus Helicopters also recently delivered its first H160 to Australia. Logistics and supply chain business enterprise Linfox Group has become the first operator on the continent to bring the twin-engine Airbus H160 into service. The Melbourne-based business will deploy the H160 on corporate missions across the country.

Lindsay Fox, founder, Linfox said: “Being the first to bring this aircraft into service in Australia is a proud moment for our team and a clear statement of our commitment to operating the most technologically advanced platform on the market.” While the H160 is certified for up to 12 passengers, the business has chosen an eight-passenger configuration.

“We are incredibly proud of this endorsement of the H160 by one of Australia’s most respected operators,” said Olivier Michalon, executive vice president of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “The H160 joins their fleet as the world’s most technologically advanced medium twin-engine helicopter, exceptionally suited for Australia’s varied terrain,” More details here.

Lobo Leasing aims for measured growth

Lobo Leasing is targeting the near-to-medium-term growth of its helicopter fleet after selling a majority stake in its business to the European asset management group Reichmuth Infrastructure.

Asked how the business will gauge its success, Dan Roberts, CEO of Lobo Leasing tells us: “The key measure of success will be growing our managed and owned helicopter fleet in a steady manner over the next two years. We will be balancing deployment of our balance-sheet equity with sourcing and closing opportunities for our investor clients.” 

Other key metrics will be how the group strengthens its team while maintaining its culture; and sustaining the growth of its fixed-wing mission critical aircraft investments, adds Roberts. More on this story next week.

PHI Air Medical opens third base in Texas

US helicopter-based medical transport provider PHI Air Medical has opened a third air medical base in Texas, in partnership with Allegiance Mobile Health. The new base follows the first two emergency air medical bases in Kirbyville and Bay City.

The new bases are more than fresh locations on a map, said Paul Julander, co-president, “They bring first-time access to critical emergency air medical care and faster response times within local communities, a key part of our commitment to the health and safety of people in Texas,” he said. “In a patient’s most vulnerable moment, our purpose is simple – deliver excellence-in the provision of emergency care. It’s what drives our teams, and it’s what continues to fuel the growth of this partnership across Texas.”

Pratt & Whitney gets a new president 

RTX – parent company of helicopter turboshaft engines manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) – has appointed Jill Albertelli as president of Pratt & Whitney, effective January 1st, 2027. Reporting to RTX chairman and CEO Chris Calio. Albertelli will succeed Shane Eddy who is retiring.

Albertelli’s experience spans engineering, manufacturing operations, quality, supply chain management, commercial programmes, sales, maintenance repair operations  plus transformation and strategy, according to the company. Calio said: “Jill is a seasoned and highly respected leader with over three decades of experience across nearly every corner of Pratt & Whitney.”

Saxon Air wins sustainability award

Meanwhile, UK rotary- and fixed-wing operator Saxon Air has won the Sustainability & Environmental Award in the Aviation Industry Awards UK 2026.

The project incorporates a 50kWh Battery Energy Storage System enabling renewable energy generated by Saxon Air’s solar infrastructure duing daylight to be stored and used later. Supporting the development of electric aviation, the technology enables Saxon Air to maximise its renewable energy generation and reduce its reliance on the UK National Grid.

The business was also named the Aviation Company of the Year.

Operating from its Norwich Airport headquarters in eastern England, Saxon Air provides non-scheduled fixed-wing and helicopter charter, aircraft management and flight support. It also offers flight training and aviation training through the Klyne Aviation Group.

Earlier this year the business became the UK’s largest rotary operator for onshore charter, marking significant growth in its helicopter operations and national footprint.

HI Uplift Dashboard: Helicopters for sale

Multi engines

• Total for sale/lease: 230 – two fewer than last week
• Percentage for sale/lease: 2.22%
• Absorption rate: 3.26 months
• Total fleet: 10,355 – 14 fewer than last week.

Single engine

• Total for sale/lease: 418 – the same as last week
• Percentage for sale/lease: 3.05%
• Absorption rate: 3.82 months
• Total fleet: 13,685 – one more than last week.

Source: AMSTAT, September 24th, 2026