The North American (NA) market is a bedrock of optimism for Airbus Helicopters. Along with Europe, it is the only market to have returned to pre-COVID levels over the last year, CEO Bruno Even said March 7 in media conference at the Heli-Expo show in Atlanta. In 2022, North American operators achieved a 10% increase in flying hours, much driven by emergency medical service (EMS) activity, according to Romain Trapp, CEO of the Europe-based manufacturer’s U.S. subsidiary. Last year Airbus took orders for 87 aircraft from 56 customers and bookings amounted to an almost even 50:50 split between single-and twin-engine models, reflecting increased demand for larger models, like the H145, which are built at AHI's Columbus, Miss., plant. AHI made 74 North American deliveries in 2022, representing a 20% increase over the previous year, and Trapp said he expects it to continue upward in 2023 at about the same rate. The company now claims a 61% market share in North America, as EMS, airborne law enforcement, private and business aviation and offshore support all saw upward movements. Around 33% of the 87 orders came from customers who are new Airbus operators, defecting from rivals, or buying their first-ever helicopter. Strong market conditions have motivated Airbus to make more investments in North America - staffing levels for customer support grew 34%. It also expanded its blade repair shop, added a new multipurpose test bench and a full-flight simulator for the H145 in partnership with Thales. At the Atlanta conference, Airbus got an order for a pair of H160 twins, fitted in the ACH160 Exclusive cabin configuration. The undisclosed customer is an existing operator based in India. (Airbus 03/07/23) Law enforcement agencies upgrade to Airbus H125 helicopters | Airbus U.S.
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