Advanced Flight of New Zealand took delivery of first five-blade Airbus ACH145 helicopter

New Zealand VIP and charter operator Advanced Flight, launch customer for the new Airbus ACH145 with five rotor-blades, has taken delivery of its helicopter.

The aircraft is the latest version of the best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter and provides a 150kg increase in useful load while delivering new levels of comfort and operational simplicity. Its reduced rotor diameter allows operation in more confined areas.

Advanced Flight has a relationship with Airbus stretching back some 20 years and currently operates one H125, six H130s and one H145 on operations throughout New Zealand from its Auckland base.

An Advanced Flight spokesperson said: “It has been quite a process to get to this delivery during the pandemic, however now that it is here, the end result is exceptional.

“During the acceptance test flight both passengers and pilots alike were impressed by the comfort and performance. We kept hearing comments like ‘wow – this feels like flying a fixed-wing plane’. It all confirms what a major step the new ACH145 constitutes and Advanced Flight is definitely a proud operator of such an excellent product.

“It was a great pleasure to once again work with the teams from Airbus Helicopters in Germany and Australia to get this aircraft delivered to New Zealand in very difficult worldwide circumstances. We would tell anyone looking to purchase a helicopter in this category, whether it is for private, corporate, aeromedical, or military use, this is the aircraft for you. Fly it…you will be amazed.”

Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters, Frederic Lemos, said: “We greatly appreciate the loyalty of Advanced Flight over many years and we thank them for the very useful input they provided during the development of the new ACH145. It’s helped make the new ACH145 what it is today – the best helicopter in its class.”