“We are pleased to receive the newest H125 into our operations. The fleet of H125 has been serving us well, covering a wide variety of services, attesting to the multi-role helicopter’s proven reliability and performance for our long-term operational needs. The highly efficient products from Airbus Helicopters have played an important role in our business growth,” said Nobuo Tanoue, President and CEO of Nishi Nippon Airlines.

“We are very honoured to deliver the additional H125 to Nishi Nippon Airlines, our long-standing business partner for more than 40 years, since the first introduction of Airbus Helicopters’ aircraft into their operations, in 1972. Nishi Nippon Airlines also celebrated a significant milestone with us when we delivered the 1000th AS350B to the company in 1978. We are confident that the versatile and efficient H125 will continue to make a great contribution to the company’s operations,” said Stephane Ginoux, President of Airbus Helicopters Japan.

The H125 is a member of the rugged and proven Ecureuil family. The H125 outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety, low maintenance and low acquisition costs, and is mainly used for aerial work and high performance missions in high and hot conditions around the world. Some 6,000 Ecureuils have been delivered in nearly 120 countries for some 1,800 operators. Around 550 H125 (AS350 B3e) series are currently in-service worldwide with 15 in service in Japan. It broke the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet). In 2016, the aircraft reached a total of 30 million flight hours.