Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

PHI Aviation has begun offshore helicopter operations for Shell on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast with an Airbus H160, the company announced Tuesday at Verticon. This represents the first H160 to conduct commercial offshore transportation missions, according to Airbus Helicopters, which partnered with PHI and Shell on a route-proving program for the helicopter model.&nbsp;
Commercial operations with PHI’s H160 off the Louisiana coast began on March 6 after 300 hours of route-proving flights. “This is the culmination of five-plus years of work and an even longer partnership between PHI, Shell, and Airbus,” said PHI Group CEO Scott McCarty.
“The extensive, first-of-its-kind route-proving program allowed our teams to work closely with Shell and Airbus to fully evaluate and optimize the H160’s capabilities, train personnel, and ensure certification and indoctrination into PHI’s operational and safety systems.”
PHI now employs 12 pilots with H160 type ratings, as well as 12 mechanics qualified to work on H160 airframes and powerplants.

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

Airbus H160 Helicopter Begins Offshore Operations in Louisiana

PHI Aviation launched commercial flights with the H160 on March 6

PHI Aviation has begun offshore helicopter operations for Shell on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast with an Airbus H160 helicopter.

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Verticon 2025

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