Linfox takes delivery of Australia's first Airbus H160

Linfox Group has taken delivery of Australia's first Airbus H160 helicopter, becoming the first operator in the country to place the twin-engine model into service.

The Melbourne-based logistics and supply chain company will use the helicopter for business and corporate aviation operations across Australia, including flights between major cities and regional destinations.

Linfox Aviation has chosen an eight-passenger layout for the aircraft, which is certified for up to 12 passengers.

Lindsay Fox, founder of Linfox, said the aircraft matched the company's operating standards.

"Linfox has built its reputation over decades on the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational performance, and the H160 reflects exactly those principles," Fox said.

He added that the delivery also carried symbolic weight for the company.

"Being the first to bring this aircraft into service in Australia is a proud moment for our team and a clear statement of our commitment to operating the most technologically advanced platform on the market," Fox said.

Aircraft rollout

Pacific Crown Helicopters, a Part 145-certified maintenance organisation and Airbus Helicopters partner, readied the helicopter for service in Australia, providing local support from the start of operations.

The H160 is a medium twin-engine helicopter designed for roles including business aviation, offshore transport, emergency medical services, law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. For Linfox, it is being introduced for corporate and business use.

More than 70 H160 helicopters are now in operation worldwide, with the fleet logging more than 14,000 flight hours over the past year.

Australian conditions

Airbus said the helicopter was designed for varied operating environments such as those found in Australia. It uses the Helionix avionics suite, which is intended to improve pilot awareness and reduce workload.

According to Airbus, the H160's Arrano engines cut fuel burn by as much as 18% compared with earlier engines in the same class. The aircraft is certified to operate on fuel blends containing up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel.

Airbus also said the H160's Blue Edge rotor blades reduce external noise by as much as 50% compared with earlier-generation models. Design changes have also reduced the aircraft's official empty weight, giving operators either an extra 100 kg of payload or an additional 60 nautical miles of range.

Olivier Michalon, executive vice president of global business at Airbus Helicopters, said the delivery reflected the model's suitability for Australian operations.

"We are incredibly proud of this endorsement of the H160 by one of Australia's most respected operators," Michalon said.

"The H160 joins their fleet as the world's most technologically advanced medium twin-engine helicopter, exceptionally suited for Australia's varied terrain," he said.