Airbus has delivered the first-ever H160 to Japanese operator All Nippon Helicopter (ANH), heralding a new chapter for the next-generation twin-engine helicopter. With 68 patents, the innovative H160 is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter.

The multi-role H160 was delivered from Airbus’ helicopter facility in Kobe, Japan, where flight training and specialised equipment installation for electronic news gathering will be performed before the helicopter’s entry into service next year.

Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO, said: “It is an honour to have ANH as our very first H160 operator. I would like to thank ANH for its continued trust and confidence in our helicopters. I am also very proud of the hard work and dedication of our teams in France and Japan in preparation for the aircraft delivery. I can’t wait to see this next-generation helicopter playing a key role in Japan’s electronic news gathering market.”

Jun Yanagawa, president of ANH, said: “ANH is excited to be the first in the world to receive this ‘state of the art’ H160 helicopter to support our electronic news gathering missions.The electronic news gathering industry is changing rapidly, and we are happy to have the perfect helicopter for our operations, becoming the leading workhorse in our Airbus fleet.”

ANH deploys an Airbus helicopter fleet comprising five AS365s and five H135s. This H160 will join its existing fleet for electronic news gathering for the TV stations across Japan.

The H160 was granted its type certificate by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2020, followed by the certification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) in May 2021 and the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency in September 2021.

Designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions such as offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation, as well as public services, the H160 integrates Airbus’ latest technological innovations. The helicopter provides passengers with superior comfort thanks to the sound-reducing Blue Edge blades and superb external visibility that benefits both passengers and pilots.