NHV has reached the 1,000-hour landmark flying just two H175s since December. It plans to eventually have 16 of the super-medium aircraft in its fleet. Airbus Helicopters Photo
NHV Group has logged the first 1,000 flight hours with the H175, proving this super-medium-sized rotorcraft’s capabilities and reliability in highly demanding operations, especially the transportation of crews and supplies to offshore oil and gas platforms – the primary mission for which it was designed.
The 1,000 hours have been accumulated by NHV’s initial two H175s as the launch operator, which introduced these helicopters in service last December. The rotorcraft have since completed more than 750 flights and carried approximately 11.000 passengers, with certain missions conducted in challenging North Sea weather conditions, and non-stop flights performed to distances of 175 nautical miles with passengers and cargo.
High reliability with the H175 is enabling NHV to meet tight flight scheduling in the North Sea, thereby underscoring the aircraft’s high level of maturity from service entry, as well as the suitability of associated services provided by Airbus Helicopters. The first two scheduled 400-hour maintenance checks validated the ease of maintenance.
“The H175 is setting new standards in the super-medium rotorcraft category, with excellent marks received from NHV pilots and maintenance teams, along with the passengers being flown,” said Airbus Helicopters president Guillaume Faury. “Achieving this milestone with NHV highlights Airbus Helicopters’ strong commitment to customer satisfaction and providing effective support to ensure a high availability of our helicopters.”
NHV’s initial H175s are flying from Den Helder in northern Holland. NHV Group ultimately will increase its fleet to 16 of these new-generation helicopters. As part of Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to a smooth H175 introduction, it has assigned technical crews to Den Helder, which are backed by the company’s full resources in support and services, as well as established training capabilities.
“We are very pleased with the H175s,” added Eric Van Hal, the CEO of NHV Group. “Our pilots appreciate their excellent handling characteristics, plus the speed and range; while passengers are impressed with the cabin comfort, smooth ride and low noise levels.”
The H175s joined NHV’s rotorcraft fleet that also includes Airbus Helicopters-built AS365 N3 Dauphins, H225s, AS332 L2 Super Pumas, H155s and EC145s.
Airbus Helicopters developed the H175 to meet evolving mission needs in the oil and gas industry, offering outstanding performance and unmatched cost efficiency – with the capability of carrying a full payload to 90 percent of the North Sea’s offshore installations. It also is well tailored for search-and-rescue in support of such offshore operations, emergency medical services, public services, VIP and executive transport.
