Asia Correspondent

Chen Chuanren

Airbus Helicopters vice president and head of sales for Southeast Asia &amp; Pacific Fabrice Rochereau sees potential for the H130 light-single helicopter in corporate, private and tourism operations in the region, he told AIN last week at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia. “We have success all over the world, especially in the AsiaPacific, but strangely enough we have no customers in Malaysia yet,” he noted.


Although the platform is used for emergency medical services (EMS) in markets such as India, this industry is not totally mature in Southeast Asia, Rochereau said. In fact, only about 4 percent of H130 sales are for EMS in Asia Pacific, while the bulk—40 percent—is for air taxis and passenger transport.


“I would like to start this year with two or three aircraft, and five next year,” Rochereau said. Airbus Helicopters will begin H130 demo flights for customers starting next month. To help boost sales and address the weaker Malaysian ringgit, he said that Airbus Helicopters will work with financing companies to ensure affordability in both acquisition and operation. This includes an hourly maintenance plan priced at $250.


Meanwhile, Airbus Helicopters has been monitoring customer satisfaction, as well as the age of in-service aircraft, through its partners and directly with customers. While corporate operators stretch ownership of an individual helicopter from 10 to 15 years, private operators typically change the platform after three years, when the warranty expires.

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

Airbus Helicopters Aims for H130 Sales in Malaysia

Company v-p sees potential for the H130 light single helicopter in corporate, private and tourism operations in the region

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

AmyWilder

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.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

More In Rotorcraft

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN