Thierry Dubois is a freelance writer specializing in helicopters, business aviation and aerospace technology. He earned a degree in fluid dynamics from an engineering school in Toulouse, France in the mid-1990s. At an unexpected crossroads, he found his first job in journalism. In 1997, he started working for French aerospace weekly Air &amp; Cosmos in Paris. This lasted until 2000, when he moved south to Lyons. He then became a freelancer, working for various aerospace publications and has been part of the AIN team since late 2000. In addition to writing about business aviation, Thierry shares responsibility for the rotorcraft section. He also is a regular on-site writer for AIN’s daily editions at international airshows such as the Paris, Farnborough, Dubai and Singapore shows, as well as at EBACE in Geneva.
In 2007, he won the Honeywell award for “Best systems or technology submission” at the Aerospace journalist of the year awards. In 2013, he won an Aerospace Media Award for the "Best Safety, Training &amp; Simulation Submission."
In other activities, Thierry moderates international conferences on aviation technology topics. Thierry is married and has three children, who seem to begin enjoying the mountains–as their parents do.

Writer

Thierry Dubois

Leonardo Helicopters (Booth Z045) is here exhibiting an AW169 medium twin with a seven-passenger corporate interior, striving to maintain its claimed leading position in a fierce business. “We have 50 percent of the multi-engine corporate/VIP helicopter market,” said Manuela Barbarossa, head of the VIP/corporate segment for the company (formerly known as AgustaWestland). Leonardo’s fleet of VIP/corporate rotorcraft is estimated at 800 worldwide.

 


In the AW169, a clean-sheet design certified 10 months ago, corporate/VIP passengers do not have to use headsets to have a conversation, Barbarossa pointed out. “As for equipment, our customers are interested in everything they use at home or in their car. They see their helicopter as an extension of these,” she went on. Therefore, Leonardo is offering an iPad-controlled cabin management system including lighting, air conditioning and a map.

 


The GrandNew light twin is said to be the most popular model in Leonardo’s product range for VIP/corporate customers. Overall, “corporate/VIP helicopters represent about 20 percent of our sales,” Barbarossa said. She mentioned Europe and North America as the first two markets. “Emerging markets like Russia and China will benefit from evolving [airspace and ownership] rules,” she added. In the Middle East, regulations prevent individuals from owning a private helicopter, but some can be found under governmental registrations, she explained.

 


The economy has not helped recently, Barbarossa went on. She singled out Brazil and particularly the city of São Paulo, famous for executive helicopter commuting. But now, due to the recession, “people in São Paulo can't invest as much as they need to do.” She emphasized that, despite the soft market, Leonardo is maintaining a close relationship with its traditional customers.

 


The Anglo-Italian manufacturer is facing increased competition, since two new twins will be certified over the next couple of years. The Bell 525 Relentless will be a new contender in the heavy category, while Airbus has just unveiled the corporate/VIP version of the H160 medium twin.

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