Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Airbus Helicopters' H160 has entered service in the U.S., following delivery to Lafayette, Louisiana-based PHI. The medium-twin helicopter is already operating in Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and other European countries and was certified in the U.S. a year ago.
“This is an exciting milestone for our teams and partners,” said PHI Group CEO Scott McCarty. “The H160 represents a new era for PHI, enhancing our commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency for our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We are proud to officially welcome this next-generation aircraft into our fleet as we kick off route-proving.”
After the route-proving flights to demonstrate the H160’s capabilities in the offshore environment, PHI will launch commercial operations. Last year, PHI <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-09-12/phi-signs-28-airbus-helicopters">placed an order</a> for eight H160s.&nbsp;Powered by two 1,280-shp Safran Arrano 1A engines, the H160 can be outfitted to carry up to 12 passengers.&nbsp;
“The H160’s lower fuel consumption, its ability to use up to 50% blended sustainable aviation fuel, comfortable cabin, and excellent cockpit visibility make it ideally suited for offshore operations, and we are confident that it will excel in PHI’s energy missions,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

PHI Takes Delivery of First Airbus H160 Helicopter in the U.S.

After proving runs, PHI will start commercial operations with the H160

The Airbus Helicopters H160 has begun flying in the U.S., following the first U.S. delivery to PHI. 

PHI Takes Delivery of First Airbus H160 in U.S.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

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Hanneke Weitering

Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

FAA Floats Special Conditions for Skyryse Fly-by-wire R66

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance 

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

In this article

H160

Airbus Helicopters

More In Rotorcraft

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations

FAA Approves TSO for ASU Panoramic Night-vision Goggles

Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

FAA Floats Special Conditions for Skyryse Fly-by-wire R66

Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance

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Armed forces will be able to outfit Black Hawks with new armament and equipment.

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Distributor will use the helicopter to introduce customers to its capabilities

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