Ontario-based Niagara Helicopters ordered six Airbus H130 choppers at the Heli-Expo 2024. The deal confirms a complete fleet renewal for the tourism company. It serves more than 100,000 customers from across the globe every year, providing a 9-minute, 27km sightseeing trip over the world-famous Niagara Falls.

The aircraft in question can seat up to seven passengers and a pilot while boasting an unobstructed cabin, large wrap-around windscreen and wide windows for good visibility. Besides sightseeing services, the single-engined helicopter is also used for charter operations and emergency medical services.

Niagara Helicopters’ COO, Denis Pilon, says:

After nearly 10 years of working with Airbus Helicopters, we are confident that the H130 continues to be the ideal aircraft for our operation. We are pleased to be working with the Airbus team again. We look forward to many more years of cooperation and collaboration.

Besides this deal, Airbus signed contracts with Bristow, HealthNet Aeromedical Services, THC and DRF Luftrettung during the Heli-Expo 2024.

At the Heli-Expo 2024, Airbus and Bristow Group signed a framework agreement for 15 H135 helicopters. The paperwork details that five of the total are part of the firm order, and the remaining ten are options. In October this year, the first chopper is expected to be delivered.

Bristow already has a fleet of 10 H135s and has operated the said type of chopper since 2006. The firm provides aviation services to various offshore energy companies and government entities. The company’s COO for Offshore Energy Services says:

The H135 has proven itself to be a very capable helicopter, both for missions offshore and overland.

Bristow recently inked a deal with Italian aviation firm Leonardo for up to 20 helicopters. On the other hand, Airbus has bagged contracts from THC, DRF Luftrettung and HealthNet Aeromedical Services at the Heli-Expo 2024.

Besides bagging an order from Bristow Group, Leonardo has also struck multiple agreements with Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC). At the Heli-Expo 2024, THC signed a contract for 20 Leonardo AW139 helicopters. Also, the duo inked a multiyear framework agreement for more than 130 choppers of various types.

Here are the specifics. The 20 AW139s, to be delivered between 2025 and 2026, will help strengthen THC’s emergency medical services and search and rescue operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). By the time the delivery is complete, KSA’s Public Investment Fund-backed THC will have almost 50 AW139s in its fleet.

The Framework Agreement, on the other hand, comprises units of Leonardo’s AW109s, AW169s and AW189s. All will be used for various services. Details about the first batch will be specified before H1 2024 ends. As for the deliveries, they should be completed anywhere between five to seven years. Besides inking these deals with Leonardo, THC signed an agreement with Airbus during the Heli-Expo 2024.

Italian firm Leonardo has inked a framework agreement with USA’s Bristow Group for up to 20 helicopters. The deal comprises a firm order for 10 AW189 choppers plus 10 options. This contract will support Bristow’s fleet expansion plan between 2025 and 2028. Bristow currently operates 21 AW189 helicopters worldwide, with another five due for delivery by the end of 2024.

Leonardo and Bristow have been doing business for over 28 years, with the latter purchasing various aircraft types, including the AW119 single engine, AW109 light twin, AW139 intermediate twin, and AW189 super medium. All put together, Bristow’s fleet of Leonardo choppers will shoot to nearly 110 units with the arrival of the additional 10 AW189s. In 2022, the duo entered a 10-year global service agreement for Bristow’s offshore fleet, covering the AW139 and AW189 units across the globe.