Melbourne, October 2025 – The Airbus H160 helicopter has officially landed in Melbourne, marking the start of a month-long demonstration tour across Australia. The next-generation rotorcraft will visit key cities and coastal communities, showcasing its versatility across missions such as search and rescue, homeland security, natural disaster response, and offshore crew transport — while setting new benchmarks in safety, performance, and sustainability.
“The H160 represents the future of flight, combining advanced technology, mission versatility and reduced environmental impact in one sleek platform,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President, Global Business, Airbus Helicopters. “The H160 is the most cost-efficient in its class. We’re thrilled to bring the helicopter to Australia and demonstrate how it can elevate operations across this region.”
As one of the most technologically advanced helicopters in the world, the H160 has been designed to deliver the highest standards of operational safety and passenger comfort. Featuring the state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite, the aircraft offers intuitive flight controls, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced pilot workload.
The H160 also integrates several innovations aimed at minimising environmental and community impact. Its Blue Edge main rotor blades and canted Fenestron tail rotor reduce perceived sound by up to 50% compared to conventional designs, while Safran Arrano engines deliver an 18% reduction in fuel burn. The aircraft is certified to operate with up to a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reinforcing Airbus’s commitment to sustainability.
Designed for versatility and efficiency, the H160’s spacious cabin, expansive visibility, and quick reconfiguration capabilities make it ideal for multi-role operations where adaptability and reliability are essential. Its reduced maintenance footprint and streamlined support network also ensure superior operational availability and cost-efficiency for operators.
Already in service across multiple countries — including Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — the H160 continues to expand its global presence.
Airbus Helicopters maintains a strong operational base in Australia, supporting over 360 helicopters nationwide. The company recently reinforced its local support infrastructure with the opening of a new parts distribution centre near Perth Airport, enabling faster and more responsive service to regional operators.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: AIRBUS
