A customer from the Philippines is purchasing a new high-tech aircraft from a European aerospace company that specializes in the design and manufacture of modern helicopters.

Airbus, a European multinational aerospace corporation, disclosed that it has secured its first order of a medium-twin ACH160 chopper in Southeast Asia through an unnamed operator in the Philippines.

Airbus said the ACH160 - a VIP-roled variant of the H160 - would be used for private and business flights within the country. "It will be used for private and business flights within the Philippine archipelago."

The helicopter's entry into service is planned for 2020. According to Frederic Lemos, head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH), "Launching the ACH160 in Southeast Asia with a new Philippine customer underlines the global attractiveness of our corporate helicopters offering to meet the evolving traveling needs of our customers."

Secret buyers

As part of the contract, the aircraft will be supported by HCare First - the first premium support package in the region - that will cater to the specific requirements of flight operators who want worry-free aircraft availability.

Airbus has been operating in the Philippines for around 40 years and is the biggest name in the corporate and para-public helicopter market business.

According to Cirium Fleets Analyzer, prior to the Philippine-order, eight companies have placed their orders for the ACH160, with four going to an undisclosed operator in the United States, and four other units to an unnamed buyer in the United Kingdom.

"We're equally excited to see our ACH products gaining good success in the growing Philippine private travel market," Lemos stressed.

A workhorse

The ACH helicopter boasts of top-of-the-line Helionix digital avionics that enables the aircraft to fly better and farther. Pilots and passengers also love its well-designed interiors and quiet ride due to its advanced engines.

The ACH160 helicopter has a capacity to carry up to 8 passengers in a cabin which Airbus Helicopters says resembles that found in a business-class airline.

The manufacturer said versions are available for the offshore transportation, business and private, public services, and commercial passenger transport markets, with its entry into service planned by next year.

Through its Manila-based customer center, Airbus Helicopters Philippines provides repair, overhaul, maintenance, technical support, and service solutions to more than 50 clients nationwide.

The helicopter maker also said last month that Chinese company Shenzhen Eastern General Aviation Co. also inked a deal for one unit of ACH160, making it the first client in China to order the VIP-model of the aircraft.