First Airbus announcement at DAS2025: Bristow adds H160s for missions in Africa 

Bristow Group, a global provider of vertical flight solutions, will add up to five Airbus H160 helicopters to its fleet for offshore energy operations in Africa. 

This is the first – and currently the only – announcement from Airbus at the Dubai Airshow 2025. As the first day approaches its midpoint, Boeing and Embraer have confirmed several orders, giving the European manufacturer a relatively quiet start. Find all the latest aircraft orders and other Dubai-related news here. 

In a statement, Airbus confirmed that the five H160 helicopters joining Bristow’s fleet are leased from Milestone Aviation Group, the first lessor to introduce this aircraft type into Bristow’s fleet. 

The European planemaker stated that this agreement “solidifies the H160’s success in the offshore energy segment” and comes as the helicopter’s global rollout gains steam, having recently received certification from the appropriate regulatory authority in the region.   

“We are extremely proud to welcome Bristow as a new H160 operator,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Their trust in the H160 for their critical offshore missions in Africa is a major milestone for the program.” 

H160 operational potential 

According to Airbus, the H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the “highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class”. 

The helicopter can undertake a variety of missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services. 

Chris Bradshaw, the President and CEO of Bristow Group, mentioned that incorporating these new Airbus H160 helicopters improves the company’s capacity to offer “safe, reliable, and efficient services to our valued customers in the energy sector.” 

The H160 has already entered service in Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, United States and many other European countries. 
Discover more insight into African aviation, through AeroTime’s media partnership with AviaDev AfricaAviaDev Insight is the first podcast dedicated to the African aviation industry, created by Jon Howell, Founder and Managing Director of AviaDev Africa, Africa’s premier event dedicated to developing air connectivity.The post First Airbus announcement at DAS2025: Bristow adds H160s for missions in Africa  appeared first on AeroTime.

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