- Major Deal Marks GD Helicopter Finance’s Entry into Helicopter Leasing and Finance
Vienna, Austria – Airbus Helicopters and GDAT Thursday entered into a significant contract involving up to 20 H175 helicopters. The deal comprises ten firm orders and an option for ten additional helicopters. This strategic move not only bolsters Airbus Helicopters’ position in the market but also marks a significant entry for GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) into the helicopter leasing and finance sector.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, GDHF is a pioneering start-up in the helicopter leasing industry. The company plans to market the H175 helicopters globally, targeting diverse sectors such as energy, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), and parapublic operations.
Airbus’ H175: A Preferred Choice for Versatile Missions
The H175 model, in service since 2015, is celebrated for its superior performance in a variety of mission profiles. Belonging to the super-medium class, it combines long-range capabilities and substantial payload capacity with exceptionally smooth flight qualities. This makes the H175 ideally suited for roles ranging from disaster relief and crew change operations to private and business aviation.
To date, the 55 H175s currently in operation have collectively logged over 210,000 flight hours, with a significant 184,000 hours in the energy sector, underscoring their reliability and efficiency in rigorous operational conditions.
Expanding Global Reach
This deal is expected to significantly impact GDHF’s market presence, providing them with a robust platform to offer versatile and reliable helicopter services worldwide. The H175’s established track record in commercial service enhances its appeal to potential lessees, promising GDHF a competitive edge in the leasing market.
Conclusion
The agreement between Airbus Helicopters and GDAT through GDHF not only highlights the ongoing demand for high-performance, versatile helicopters but also signals new growth directions for companies involved. As GDHF begins its journey in helicopter leasing and finance, the global aviation community watches closely, anticipating the impact of this new entrant on market dynamics.