A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH, Booth Z55), the bespoke Airbus Helicopters brand that debuted at EBACE 2017, is showcasing an ACH130 this week at EBACE 2018. It announced the first delivery of this platform, while reporting strong sales in its first year.

 


The ACH130 on display, which is making its first public appearance, is outfitted with the racing-inspired “Stylence by ACH” luxury configuration. The high-quality yet lightweight completion makes the aircraft suitable for both high usage and comfort, according to the company.

 


Carrying up to seven passengers in forward-facing seats, the single-engine ACH130 has a top speed of 130 knots and four hours of endurance, with features including a shrouded tail rotor and auto-variable speed. Calling it “very popular with private customers worldwide,” Frederic Lemos, head of ACH said, “The ACH130 combines unique passenger-focused design, exceptional single-engine performance and first-class-quality and comfort.” Among the platform's fans is Monaco-based VIP charter operator Monacair, which has eight in its fleet currently, and will operate the newest ACH130 for the undisclosed purchaser.

 


Japan’s Auto Panther ordered in February an ACH130 with Stylence by ACH interior, the first operator in the country that will have the aircraft. It will be used for corporate VIP transport in Kagoshima.

 


Including the ACH130, half a dozen Airbus Helicopter models are available in VIP versions through the year-old division: the ACH125, ACH135, ACH145, ACH160 (in development), and ACH 175. In 2017 the company sold 58 of these helicopters, representing “more than 50 percent of the market share” for rotorcraft weighing more than 1.3 tons, Lemos said.

 


Looking ahead, the ACH160, a next-generation super-medium helicopter, is on track for certification in 2019 and be available with a Stylence interior in 2021. Orders for five are in hand; the launch customer, an unidentified U.S. operator, will take four of them. Meanwhile, “LOIs are being converted to commercial offers,” for the ACH160, he said.

 


“Our vision,” Lemos concluded, “is to be the helicopter brand of choice in the private and business aviation marketplace.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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