Copyright © Airbus Helicopters - Photo by Ned Dawson.
Auckland, New Zealand, 18 June 2026 - Auckland-based charter operator Advanced Flight took delivery of the country’s first Airbus ACH160 helicopter today, following the aircraft's recent grant of NZ Type Certification by New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority.
With this delivery, Advanced Flight marks another milestone by operating the first ACH160 in the Pacific region. The company will use the aircraft for passenger transportation across the iconic landscapes of the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
"Advanced Flight are honoured to play a role in bringing the ACH160 to New Zealand, continuing our longstanding relationship with Airbus. This delivery represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovation, safety, and delivering world‑class aviation services. It also reflects the depth of experience within our team and pilots, who consistently lead the way in operating and supporting some of the most advanced aircraft in the World,” said Keith Stephens, CEO & Pilot Advanced Flight.
Although the H160 is certified for up to 12 passengers, the ACH160 variant, tailored for private and business aviation, is designed to accommodate up to 10. Advanced Flight has selected an eight-passenger configuration, allowing guests to fully experience the aircraft's expansive windows, airy cabin, and industry-leading technology.
“We are incredibly proud of Advanced Flight's endorsement of the ACH160’s capabilities and are thrilled to celebrate this milestone handover,” said Christian Venzal, Managing Director of Airbus' Helicopter business in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
New Zealand adds to the growing list of international aviation authorities that have approved the platform. This approval unlocks the opportunity for operators across the country to expand their fleets with one of the world's most technologically advanced medium twin-engine helicopters.
“We know how much of a game-changer this platform can be for communities around the world. Customers who have adopted it are benefiting from greater fuel efficiency and quieter operations. These innovations, alongside a remarkably spacious cabin interior, provide the smoothest ride on the market for all applications, from commercial passenger transport to critical missions like treating medical evacuation patients on board,” said Venzal.
Recognised as one of the most technologically sophisticated helicopters on the market, the H160 is engineered to optimise performance and safety. Featuring the advanced Helionix avionics suite, the aircraft delivers highly intuitive flight controls, vastly improved situational awareness, and a significantly lightened workload for pilots.
Through continuous design improvements, the H160’s official empty weight has been reduced, providing operators with an increased payload of 100 kg or an additional 60 nm of range.
Crucially for New Zealand's pristine environment, the H160 operates with an 18% reduction in fuel consumption and a 50% reduction in perceived sound, enabling a reduction in its environmental footprint and community noise impact.
The H160 now has customers for all the key mission segments it was designed to address globally. Today's delivery ensures New Zealand joins an exclusive but rapidly growing global footprint of more than 65 H160 helicopters operating worldwide.
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