In a milestone for European aerial firefighting and emergency response, PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, commenced production of Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters. The aircraft are being manufactured for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior through a partnership with Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), a Helicopte...
Rotortrade is strengthening its support capabilities in East Africa through a cooperation with Helicopters International Ltd (“Helint”), an established helicopter maintenance and support provider based in Nairobi. This cooperation is intended to enhance Rotortrade’s ability to support helicopter operators across Eastern Africa by facilitating access to local maintenance, repair,...
Airbus has finalised a contract for the purchase of 10 H125 helicopters by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO). These aircraft will be operated by Air and Marine Operations to support critical law enforcement, border security, and public safety missions across the United States. H125 light enforcement helicopter is a vital asset for airborne law enforcement...
Registration has opened for EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026, which takes place 30 Nov. – 3 Dec. at EUREXPO Lyon in Lyon, France. As Europe’s leading event for the vertical aviation industry, EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026 will bring together operators, manufacturers, regulators, suppliers, training organisations, unmanned aircraft systems companies, advanced air mobility innovators, and the next gener...
Thales introduces its new generation Search & Landing Light, one of the most advanced, reliable and versatile helicopter illumination systems available today. Combining native 360° swivelling coverage, a compact flush-mounted design and a software-defined, connected architecture, the new high-power SLL delivers unrestricted illumination and mission-tailored functionality for a wide range o...
Coulson Aviation Canada has commenced a 101-day contract with the BC Wildfire Service to provide a Sikorsky S-61 Type 1 NVG Helitanker in support of the province’s 2026 wildfire season. The aircraft began operations on May 26 in Kamloops following annual training with BCWS Night Vision Imaging Systems Flight Officers and aviation teams. The S-61 has already responded to its first wildfire of...
Airbus Helicopters delivered first H145M helicopter to the Kingdom of Belgium, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of the nation’s defence and security capabilities. The aircraft is part of a wider procurement contract signed in 2024 via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to equip both the Belgian armed forces and the Federal Police. Highlighting the growing momentum o...
Auckland-based charter operator Advanced Flight took delivery of the country’s first Airbus ACH160 helicopter today, following the aircraft's recent grant of NZ Type certification by New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority. With this delivery, Advanced Flight marks another milestone by operating the first ACH160 in the Pacific region. The company will use the aircraft for passenger...
Airbus delivered the first H135 helicopter for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training program, achieving a key milestone in the modernisation of pilot training for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft, designated the CT-153 Juno for service in the RCAF, will support training the next generation of RCAF pilots, providing a modern, twin-engine training platform equipped with Airbus’...
Avincis, Europe’s largest emergency aerial services operator, and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract for up to 15 H145 helicopters. The new aircraft will be deployed across Avincis’ extensive network, strengthening its operational presence in the Nordics, Italy, and Spain for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services and other mission segments like offshore transportation. ...
European Commission decided to support Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines and Avio Aero in their technological research project known as SHARP (Sovereign High-performance Architecture for Rotorcraft Propulsion). This project, which aims to develop the scalable technological building blocks for a new state-of-art military helicopter engine, will be funded by the European Defence Fund with...
Airbus Helicopters will introduce an uncrewed version of its proven H145, the U145, during ILA Berlin airshow, where the company will display a full-scale mock-up of the new model. The U145 complements Airbus’ helicopter and uncrewed aerial systems offering. A maiden flight with a safety pilot onboard is planned for the end of 2026, with entry into service at the beginning of the next d...
