Airtelis signs deal for up to five H145s for offshore wind missions

French helicopter operator Airtelis has signed a framework agreement for the purchase of up to five H145 helicopters, including the firm order of one. The new helicopters will be operated by Airtelis’ subsidiary Oya Vendée Hélicoptères, providing support for the offshore wind industry.

“The H145 has proven to be the perfect helicopter for our offshore wind operations during the construction of the new Yeu Noirmoutier offshore energy platform off the coast of Nantes,” said Laurent Giolitti, executive president of Airtelis. “We look forward to expanding those operations with the H145 and to provide support to the renewable energy market.”

The Airbus H145 has proven itself the helicopter of choice for offshore wind operators due to its significant capacity for transporting passengers and cargo and its hover performance for hoisting operations, said Baudoin Marraud des Grottes, head of Sales Western Europe at Airbus. “We’re proud and thankful to have the trust of Airtelis with our helicopters, as they look to expand their offshore operations.”

The latest H145s adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the earlier models, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improves serviceability and reliability, and enhances flight comfort for both passengers and crew, according to the manufacturer.

More than 1,700 H145 helicopters are in service worldwide and logged nearly 8m flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite.

Meanwhile, the deal was revealed at the European Rotors event in Amsterdam last week. Read our event roundup up.