Microflite adds new five-bladed H145

Australian commercial aircraft operator Microflite has ordered a second five-bladed H145 to support its growing training, commercial, utility, fire observation and rescue operations.Microflite is Airbus’ largest civil helicopter customer in Australia, currently operating an Airbus fleet of 20 rotorcraft ranging from single-engine H120, H125 and H130, to twin-engine H135 and H145. The operator also has on order an H135 and an H145, with the latter being the fifth Helionix equipped helicopter in its fleet.

Jonathan Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Microflite Helicopter Services, commented: “The H145 has proven to be an excellent workhorse for our multi-mission operations. With the second five-bladed H145 joining the fleet in the coming months, we can’t wait to see these versatile helicopters making a positive impact to our expanding training and commercial portfolio.” 

Clinton Watt, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Airbus Australia Pacific, said: “Microflite has been a strong Airbus operator and we are honoured by its continued trust in our helicopters as it ventures into new missions including military training and grows its local footprint and capabilities.” 

Managing an impressive Airbus fleet for various missions, Microflite is an Airbus appointed maintenance and pilot training centre. The Victoria-based operator offers a suite of type-rated training for the entire suite of single-engine and light twin helicopters.Additionally, Microflite is working closely with Airbus to advance mutual training ambitions through the introduction of a Full Flight Simulator in Australia, in the next two years.

There are more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service, accumulating more than 7.6 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors.