Press Release

Lisbon, 12th of November 2024 – Omni Helicopters International Group (OHI), Latin America’s leading air mobility solutions provider is pleased to share that it has welcomed its first Airbus H160 medium twin helicopter to its fleet via a lease with GDHF. The introduction of this new model reinforces the company’s commitment to flexible customer solutions, fleet renewal and more efficient and sustainable operations.

“We’re happy to partner once again with GDHF to bring the Airbus H160 into our fleet,” said Duncan Moore, OHI Group COO. “Through our environmental impact assessments, an integral part of our sustainability strategy, we’ve identified that optimizing seat utilization is one key element in minimizing overall CO2 emissions, and in this regard, the Airbus H160 will more efficiently address the needs of some of our existing missions,” Moore continued. “We also see the need to offer alternative types in the medium helicopter class, in part to arrest increasing engine and avionics support costs on current types as we consider it very important that we respect our customers’ budgets.” Moore concluded.

Michael York, GDHF CEO, said: “GDHF is very pleased to accept our first factory new Airbus H160 and deliver it on lease to our long-term partner OHI. The high technology Airbus H160 is a key element of GDHF’s plan to rapidly grow a large portfolio of efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters. We see increasing awareness of the clear advantages of the H160 in the medium helicopter market and with our large 50 x H160 order book, GDHF is well positioned to serve our customers’ needs now and in the future.

“We are proud to be delivering this state-of-the-art H160 helicopter to OHI and GDHF, which we are confident will be a game-changer in the energy sector in Latin America”, said Regis Magnac, VP, Head of Energy, Leasing & Global Account. “This aircraft is ideally suited for offshore operations, with its reduced fuel consumption, ability to use up to 50% blended SAF, spacious cabin and excellent cockpit visibility. We are excited to see how the H160 will enhance operational capabilities, providing an innovative and cost-efficient helicopter for all their mission needs.”

The twin-engine Airbus H160, one of the world’s most innovative medium-sized helicopters, offering the capacity of up to 12 passengers and a range of 890 km (480 NM) with standard fuel tanks. The H160 exceeds the requirements of the latest and most demanding regulations (EASA CS-29 certification standards) and the most stringent guidelines from the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP 690 and CAP best practices).

With this introduction, OHI, through its affiliate Omni Táxi Aéreo, becomes the first operator in Latin America to offer the Airbus H160 to its customers in the offshore energy sector.