Kopter announces firm SH09 order with SAS Malaysia

Swiss helicopter manufacturer Kopter has announced a firm order for one SH09 at Helitech 2018 today.

Kopter has sold one of its upcoming SH09 helicopters in passenger transport configuration to Malaysian operator Systematic Aviation Services (SAS). The helicopter will be based out of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Kuala Lumpur.

The announcement was presented at Helitech 2018 in Amsterdam by the CEO of SAS Ismail Ashaari. Kopter promoted the order by exhibiting a SH09 prototype in SAS livery at its booth at Helitech.

SAS operates a mixed fleet of single- and twin-turbine helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and will be flying the SH09 on private charter, medevac, land survey, aerial photography and filming. The SH09 was chosen for these operations due to its large cabin and field of view.

The Malaysian operator is also a Part 145 maintenance centre and CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management) service provider for private sector operators and paraublic for clients.

SH09 development timeline

Kopter Group is presenting the P1 prototype of the SH09 at Helitech International 2018. It has since been succeeded by the P2 and the third prototype is currently going through ground tests and is getting ready to undergo its flight-test campaign in Sicily.

The P3 and the pre-series aircraft the PS04 will used to gain EASA certification and FAA validation.

The aircraft was first unveiled in 2009 – two years after Kopter (previously named Marenco Swiss Helicopters) was formed. The first prototype flew on 2 October 2014.