Rotorcraft
Helicopters H130 Finds New Application in Aerial Work
More expensive than the EC130B4, the H130 targets operators that mix aerial work and passenger transportation.
The H130 is now as capable as the H125 (AS350B3e Ecureuil/AStar), itself long seen as having set the standard in aerial work. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters/Patrick Penna)
The H130 is now as capable as the H125 (AS350B3e Ecureuil/AStar), itself long seen as having set the standard in aerial work. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters/Patrick Penna)

Almost three years after the H130 (formerly known as the EC130T2) entered service with sightseeing operators in North America, Airbus Helicopters has delivered one of the helicopters to an aerial work specialist, Switzerland’s Air Zermatt. The upgraded light single is thus becoming a credible alternative in the Airbus product line to the H125 (AS350B3e Ecureuil/AStar) for sling-load and other mountain operations. However, according to its promoters, the higher acquisition cost can be justified only if the operator also uses the H130 in more lucrative applications such as passenger transportation.


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