India’s first Airbus Corporate Helicopters ACH145 is delivered to Businessman and Philanthropist Adar Poonawalla

State-of-the-art aircraft includes Airbus Helionix glass cockpit avionics system for enhanced performance and safety

Airbus has delivered India’s first fully customised, ACH145 helicopter to Mr Adar Poonawalla, CEO and Executive Director of Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by doses. This marks the entry of the highly successful twinengine helicopter into India’s private and business aviation market. The helicopter will be ready to fly in India by the end of January.

“We are delighted with our selection of the Airbus ACH145 which is certainly a benchmark in its class. It has been chosen keeping in mind the highest levels of customization, comfort and safety. Also, Airbus Helicopters’ comprehensive local support system will ensure the optimal availability of the aircraft,” said Mr Poonawalla.

“Airbus is the market leader in civil helicopters in India. Our VIP customers come to Airbus Helicopters for unparalleled quality and a bespoke experience,” said Anand E Stanley, President and Managing Director, Airbus India & South Asia. “They rely on our products’ ability to combine state-of-the-art technology with new transportation possibilities.”

The helicopter provides a spacious cabin that can seat up to eight in ACH Line, ACH Mercedes Benz Style or ACH bespoke versions. The ACH145 features Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics, including a standard 4-axis digital Automatic Flight Control System for reduced pilot workload. Fenestron enclosed tail rotor dramatically reduces noise levels. The Turbomeca Arriel2E engines, with dual channel FADEC, generate 951 shaft horsepower for take-off and allow improved hover and one-engine inoperative performance as well as increased maximum gross weight capability.

“The latest delivery proves once again that Airbus is the only Original Equipment Maker which is able to offer helicopters embedding the highest levels of innovation and end-to-end solutions for the ease of operations of customers. The delivery of this helicopter is an important milestone for us,” said Ashish Saraf, Head, Airbus Helicopters India & South Asia.