GDHF delivers first of two H160s leased to Chipsan, India

GD Helicopter Finance has delivered the first of two Airbus H160s on lease to helicopter operator Chipsan Aviation. The aircraft will be the first H160s to operate in India.

Chipsan will operate the H160 onshore, servicing government and corporate missions. Michael York, CEO, GDHF said: “GDHF is delighted to announce this delivery, the first-of-type introduction to the Indian market and the first of two H160 aircraft to Chipsan.” York looked forward to introducing more aircraft to the Indian market.

Sunil Narayanan, chairman and MD, Chipsan Aviation and Daisy Cheriyan, director welcomed the first two H160 aircraft on lease from GDHF. “The H160, the first of its type to operate in India, will complement our growing fleet of aircraft and enable us to expand the range of non-scheduled air operations we deliver to our customers,” they said.

Regis Magnac, vice president and head of Energy, Leasing & Global Accounts, Airbus Helicopters congratulated GDHF on the delivery of the first of two H160s to Chipsan. “This partnership marks the introduction of the H160 to India, where it will play a vital role in supporting both government and corporate operations,” said Magnac.

He described the H160 as an efficient, multi-mission aircraft that is serving diverse and critical missions across the globe. “Its technologically-advanced design, reduced fuel consumption and outstanding operational capabilities make it the ideal choice for a wide array of missions,” he said. “We are proud to see the H160 gaining traction globally and confident it will deliver exceptional value and performance in India.”

Chipsan Aviation began as an aggregator of business jets but have since expanded. It obtained its Air Operator Permit in 2017 after acquiring their first Bell 407. They went on to acquire one H135 in 2019 and then another Bell 407 in 2020. They added two more helicopters in 2022, India’s first two Airbus H145D3 on a dry lease.

The business also operates two Airbus H130 and an Airbus H135T2 on a wet lease. In addition, they have a separately managed Airbus H145D2.

Meanwhile, earlier this month GDHF agreed a finance deal worth more than €77m ($81.34m) with Bank of China, London Branch and German bank Helaba Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen also for new Airbus H160s.