Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group have entered into a framework contract during the HAI Heli-Expo, which took place in Anaheim on 28 February 2024. The agreement outlines the delivery of up to fifteen H135 helicopters, with five confirmed orders and an option for ten additional helicopters. The first helicopter is slated for delivery to Bristow Group in October 2024.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed his gratitude to Bristow Group for their continued confidence in Airbus’s helicopters. He highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two companies and expressed pride in embarking on a new chapter together. “I’d like to thank the Bristow Group for their renewed trust in our helicopters,” said Even. “The H135 has proven it’s perfect for offshore missions with customers all over the world, especially thanks to Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite, which reduces pilot workload and increases safety.”
Stu Stavley, Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services for Bristow Group, also spoke on their venerable association with Airbus and the proven performance of the H135 since its introduction to Bristow’s fleet in 2006. “Our longstanding relationship with Airbus, coupled with our extensive experience operating the H135 since 2006, underscores the helicopter’s exceptional performance and reliability,” Stavley mentioned. “The H135 has proven itself to be a very capable helicopter, both for missions offshore and overland.”
Bristow Group, recognized as a global leader in providing innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, caters to a wide variety of clients, including offshore energy companies and government entities. Their services range from personnel transportation to search and rescue, medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems, and ad hoc helicopter services. Currently, Bristow operates a fleet of 10 helicopters from the H135 family.
The Airbus H135 is renowned for incorporating cutting-edge technologies, notably the Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite. This includes a 4-axis autopilot and an innovative cockpit layout aimed at boosting situational awareness. The helicopter’s design is compatible with night vision goggles and features three large electronic displays in the cockpit. A notable feature is the First Limit Indicator, which consolidates crucial engine instrument data for the pilot into a single indicator.
As of now, over 1,500 helicopters from the H135 family have been delivered globally, accumulating more than 7 million flight hours.
