Airbus has delivered the first of two ACH145 helicopters to an existing private customer as the first step in a fleet renewal programme.
The two aircraft will be flown from super yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions on behalf of the owner.
Isle of Man-based helicopter management and operation specialist Luviair will manage the ACH145s as well as an ACH160 that has been acquired. The three aircraft will replace another three currently in service.
The second ACH145 will be delivered in the final quarter of 2019 and the ACH160, which will be used for onshore transport, will be delivered following certification.
Frederic Lemos, head of ACH at Airbus, said: “We greatly value our relationship with this customer who knows our aircraft well, and we strongly appreciate their loyalty in selecting the ACH145 and, in particular, the new ACH160 after nearly two decades of operating Airbus helicopters.
“The transition to this new generation of Airbus helicopters is a clear demonstration that the ACH160 meets the demanding requirements of the most discerning corporate helicopter customers.”