Airbus Helicopters has signed a new contract with SKYCO International Financial Leasing (SKYCO) for the purchase of six additional H175 helicopters. This latest order follows an initial agreement earlier in 2024 for six H175s, intended for emergency management and public service missions in Guangdong Province. With this second acquisition, SKYCO demonstrates its continued confidence in the H175 platform and further strengthens its collaboration with Airbus Helicopters.
The six new helicopters are designated for offshore transport and will be leased to and operated by China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited (CSAGA), one of the country's leading helicopter operators. These aircraft will be used to support China's expanding offshore energy sector, particularly for operations such as crew transport to offshore oil and gas installations. The move reflects growing demand in the region for reliable, high-performance rotary-wing aircraft capable of operating in challenging environments.
This order reinforces the strategic cooperation between Airbus Helicopters and Guangdong Province in advancing the general aviation and low-altitude economy. It also underlines SKYCO and CSAGA's pivotal roles in supporting this initiative.
Colin James, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in China, expressed pride in the partnership, stating that the H175's unmatched capabilities make it ideal for a wide array of missions. In service since 2014, the H175 is a super-medium class helicopter combining extended range, significant payload capacity and excellent flying characteristics. Globally, 71 H175s have been delivered, accumulating over 250,000 flight hours across diverse mission profiles including offshore transport, search and rescue, disaster relief and executive travel.
