Airbus Helicopters claims 52% of civil market as ‘recovery consolidates’
Airbus Helicopters is claiming 52% of the civil and parapublic market, having logged 374 gross orders (362 net), with 216 light single engine helicopters sold last year. Deliveries climbed by six units to 344 units last year from 338 in 2021. Airbus’ helicopter fleet flight hours have returned to pre-Covid-19 levels, claims the manufacturer.
Bruno Even, CEO, Airbus Helicopters said: “2022 was a year in which Airbus Helicopters solidified its recovery, in a context of instability with the war in Ukraine and a fragile supply chain.” The manufacturer’s orders came from 203 customers in 48 countries. This underlines “the importance of our global network as well as showing that in uncertain times, the role of helicopters is more essential than ever”, he added.
Airbus Helicopters highlighted significant support and services contract wins for both its civil and military range. They included NHIndustries contract with NAHEMA for the French and German NH90s and a follow-on contract with the US Army for more than 480 UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota helicopters. The Helicopter Company signed In-Service HCare contracts for its fleet of 20 H145s and six ACH160s.
“It is no surprise that security is currently a priority for many countries. This is reflected in our order book with an important contract for 27 H125s with our longstanding partner, the Brazilian armed forces,” said Even. “We launched a major upgrade of the Tiger helicopter for the French and Spanish armies and we are also progressing with the design of the H175M assembly line in Broughton should we win the New Medium Helicopter campaign in the UK.”
The first ACH160 was delivered to a Brazilian customer, transported by an Airbus Beluga, in July 2022. Also, All Nippon Helicopter’s H160 entered into service in Japan and the French Navy took delivery of the first H160 for search and rescue (SAR) missions. In October, the first H135s were delivered to the Spanish Ministry of Interior following its order 10 months earlier.
Progress was continuing on its decarbonisation roadmap based on a threefold approach using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hybridisation, and electrification.
”The unveiling of our DisruptiveLab demonstrator at the Airbus Summit is another significant step to decarbonising vertical lift,” said Even. “The aircraft that took flight January 13th will demonstrate our capability to reduce CO2 emissions by 50%. Our commitment to sustainability also saw us forge more partnerships that will support the optimal entry into service of the CityAirbus NextGen, our eVTOL prototype.”
Airbus Helicopters will post 2022 full-year financial results on February 16th 2023.
Above: Airbus Helicopters’ orders and deliveries achieved last year.
Top: The Airbus Helicopter H160.The first ACH160 was delivered to a Brazilian customer.
