Coast Guard orders Airbus helicopter

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard has placed an order to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for one H145 helicopter, making it the first H145 operator for parapublic missions in the country.

Airbus said the latest contract with the government would include on-site technical support and continuing airworthiness management organization services that is fully supported by its team in the country.

The new helicopter is equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light, and electro-optical systems to perform critical missions including search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol and law enforcement.

 “We are honored by the Philippine Coast Guard’s decision to introduce the country’s first parapublic H145 into its fleet, as the perfect complement to the current workhorse BO105 which has served the agency well for the past 40 years,” Airbus Helicopters head of Southeast Asia and Pacific Philippe Monteux said.

“We have full confidence in the H145’s ability to support the agency’s work, coupled with our dedicated in-country customer center which stays committed to supporting its operations in close proximity,” Monteux said.

Airbus said the H145 is the market leader for rescue missions, with over 1,400 helicopters in service globally and achieving close to five million flight hours.

 In the Philippines alone, the company said there are currently four H145 helicopters in operations, all of which are mainly for business aviation purposes.

“Due to its small footprint, agility and designed-in mission capability and flexibility, the H145 is particularly ideal for a wide range of missions. It is equipped with Airbus’ state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot system, which helps to reduce pilot workload during missions,” Airbus said.

Airbus is the leading supplier of aircraft in the above-100 seat category in the Philippine commercial airline market and is also the leader in the country’s rotorcraft market with 76 helicopters in service.

The aerospace giant also intends to boost its share for military aircraft as it seeks to help beef up the country’s modernization efforts with its latest defense products and services.

The government has purchased three C295 aircraft from airbus to serve on a variety of military and humanitarian missions in the country. The three C295 aircraft have been in operations for the country’s Air Force since February 2016.