Airbus Helicopters posts flat 1Q revenue despite higher deliveries
An Airbus H135 in EMS configuration operated by Mont-Blanc Helicopteres. (Photocredit: Airbus).
Airbus Helicopters reported flat year-over-year revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026 posting €1.6bn despite delivering five more helicopters during the quarter.
Of this, nearly 51% or €818.04m came from the civilian segment.
The company delivered 56 helicopters during the first three months of 2026 compared with 51 in the same period of last year.
“Revenues stayed flat at €1.6bn, reflecting a less favourable delivery mix in the first quarter,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus in an earnings call yesterday. “As a result, EBIT adjusted stood at €65m, reflecting a solid performance from programmes, offset by higher R&D expenses.”
The company’s research and development expenses in the helicopter segment during the three months was €76m, up €10m from same period last year, as new capitalised research and development expenses for the quarter at €0m.
Airbus Helicopters’ order intake during the quarter was 79 units compared with 100 units in the same period of last year. The company signed strategic long-term framework contracts for the H135, the H140 and the H145 helicopters with two significant emergency medical services operators in Europe.
“At Verticon 2026, Airbus Corporate Helicopters announced ACH140, the corporate version of the H140. Airbus Corporate helicopters announced launch customers across three key regions: the US, Europe and Brazil, our leading markets for private and business aviation. The market reaction for the new helicopter for this new helicopter is a positive one,” added Faury.
Overall, the company’s total order book at the end of the quarter stands at 1,060 units up from 942 at the end of first quarter in 2025.
During the call, Faury added that the company is working with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney to improve the delivery of its engines.
Meanwhile, Matthieu Louvot has started his new role of CEO, Airbus Helicopters, effective from April 1st, 2026. Reporting to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, Louvot also joins the company’s Executive Committee. Louvot, has replaced Bruno Even, who has left the manufacturer to pursue other projects.
