Airbus Helicopters has launched the ACH140 — a corporate/VIP version of its upcoming new light twin H140.
Announced on the eve of Verticon, the helicopter industry’s biggest annual tradeshow, held this year in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACH140 will be on display at the event in the form of a mockup in a six-passenger configuration (on the first day of the show), and a five-passenger configuration (on the second and third days).
“[With the] ACH140, we truly believe that this is the birth of an icon in the market that is going to completely disrupt the current lightweight offering in the private and business aviation segment,” Frederic Lemos, head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH), told journalists ahead of the aircraft’s unveiling.
Describing the ACH140 as a “gamechanger,” Lemos pointed to its unique design — most notably the T-Tail Fenestron and “a dynamic front shape” that he said represented “a breakthrough of design and style in this market segment.”
“In terms of the space that we are giving on this on this market segment, we will be really unmatched,” said Lemos. “It’s a real six-seater with unmatched panoramic views. The windows are super large, and the feeling inside the cabin is really a feeling of space.”
A modular design will allow the cabin to be easily repurposed if needed, he said — noting the increasing use of private helicopters in emergency response.
The ACH140 is set to enter service in 2030 — two years after the planned certification of the H140.
Lemos said ACH has secured launch customers in each of the three major regions for private and business aviation — namely, Brazil, the U.S., and Europe.
“Those three markets [represent] 70% of the market volume and value today,” said Lemos.
He said the ACH140’s cabin has been designed around the customer experience. As well as six- and five-passenger configurations, it will also be offered in a four-passenger layout.
The ACH140 also represents a renewal of the ACH line — with a new style that will be progressively rolled out across the remainder of the ACH range.
“For the 140, we had to design a new cabin, because it’s a completely new aircraft,” said Lemos. “It was the perfect opportunity for us to take that moment to facelift all our range.”
Launched in 2017, ACH aims to provide an exclusive ownership experience, from first enquiry to ownership and in-service support.
The ACH140 joins the ACH125, ACH130, ACH135, ACH145, ACH160 and ACH175 in the ACH range, with all offering premium aircraft completions and bespoke solutions.
