GDHF delivers two leased Airbus H160s to Skyjets in India

GDHF has leased two Airbus H160s for missions in India.

GD Helicopter Finance has revealed the delivery of two new Airbus H160 helicopters leased to Skyjets International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aviaman Aerotek, for multi-role operations in India.

The H160 leases reinforce GDHF’s strategy of building a large portfolio of next-generation, multi-mission helicopters and partnering with high-quality operators to deliver modern, efficient fleet solutions, according to the lessor.

Peter Jiang, chairman of GDHF added: “We are pleased to welcome Aviaman as a new GDHF customer and to support the growth of Aviaman’s operations in India with the lease of these two H160s. Two deliveries within a week of each other reflects the strength of this partnership and our ability to execute at pace.” The H160 type continues to prove itself as a highly capable, cost-efficient, multi-mission helicopter, he said.

Kannan Balaji, CEO of Skyjets International said launching its helicopters division marked a milestone for Aviaman as demand for modern vertical lift solutions accelerates across India and the region. “In GDHF and Airbus, we have secured world-class partners who share our commitment to operational excellence, safety, and innovation,” said Balaji. “Deploying the state-of-the-art H160 enables us to pioneer new multi-mission capabilities tailored specifically to the evolving needs of the Indian market.”

Régis Magnac, head of Energy, Leasing and Global Accounts at Airbus Helicopters welcomed Aviaman to the global family of H160 operators as it prepares to deploy the aircraft in India. “Thanks to its spacious cabin, exceptional passenger comfort and industry-leading safety standards, the H160 sets a new benchmark for passenger experience,” he said.

Aviaman Aerotek is an integrated aviation services company serving the general aviation market. Through the subsidiary Skyjets International, the company  delivers commercial charter, maintenance and fleet management services worldwide.

Meanwhile, Helicopter Investor revealed last month that Jiang, owner and chairman of GDAT Group, had stepped into the role of GDHF chairman, following the surprise double departure of former CEO Michael York and chief financial officer Ray Cleary.

Responsibility for day-to-day management – including managing the GDHF team – has been given to Joe Kearton, we also revealed. Earlier in October Kearton was appointed CEO of Jiang’s new international business GDAT Global.