Babcock is set to become the global launch customer for Airbus Helicopters' H160 after signing a five-year framework agreement for the purchase of an unspecified number of helicopters. The delivery schedule has yet to be announced.

The fleet is destined for EMS and other critical services missions starting in Europe and to be deployed progressively across Babcock’s bases worldwide.The agreement was signed at HAI Heli-Expo 2018.

Babcock’s Aviation business provides mission critical services, ranging from aerial emergency medical services, aerial fire-fighting, Search and Rescue, Surveillance operations, and Oil and Gas transportation, in 14 countries.  

Also at Heli-Expo, Airbus signed the first H160 order with a North American customer. The undisclosed operator — described as a major US business entity with extensive experience in corporate aviation — has ordered four machines in Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) configuration.

One aircraft will be delivered in Stylence by ACH configuration, the in-house, private and business design product line; with the remaining three aircraft to be delivered in ACH Exclusive configuration. Airbus Helicopters says that the ACH160 represents a step-change in passenger experience.