Helitech International returned to the ExCeL center in London, U.K, for its 2015 edition earlier this month, and alongside a typically bustling education program, major developments and orders were announced involving Waypoint Leasing, AgustaWestland, and Airbus Helicopters.
Despite bringing a mock-up of the H160 to its booth, the star of the show for Airbus Helicopters was its H135. Waypoint Leasing placed an order for 20 of the light twin aircraft (becoming the first leasing company to acquire the type), and this was followed by an order for three of a newly-announced “upgraded” H135 from Norwegian EMS operator Norsk Luftambulanse. The new version will see the H135 receive Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite, as well as a four-axis autopilot.
Waypoint also placed an order for 18 aircraft from across AgustaWestland’s “family” — including the AW189, the AW169, and the AW139.
While Bell Helicopter announced a new service center in Germany, there wasn’t any news from Sikorsky, Robinson, Enstrom or Russian Helicopters — with none of the four having a booth at the show.
The education program saw business leaders debate the impact of the downturn in the global oil-and-gas market, experts give their take on how helicopter operators can take advantage of the growth in UAV popularity, and a regulatory preview from EASA regarding an upcoming notice of proposed amendment for offshore helicopter certification.
The event wrapped up with a standing-room-only talk by legendary aviator Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, who holds the world record for number of aircraft types flown, at 487. Brown, who is the Royal Navy’s most decorated pilot, shared his thoughts on rotorcraft safety.
Next year’s show will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from Oct. 11 to 13, 2016.
