H145

Mexico-based Transportes Aereos Pegaso has signed a framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters to buy ten H145 helicopters.

The transportation services provider, which delivers airlift services to the energy industry, will sign a firm order for the 4t-class rotorcraft in the coming months.

Following completion of the order, Airbus Helicopters will start delivering the twin-engine helicopters over seven years, starting in 2016. After delivery, Transportes Aereos Pegaso will be first Latin American company to use these type of helicopters.

Pegaso is buying the H145 helicopters to replace its fleet of lightweight rotorcraft, which includes 16 EC145s and four EC135s.

The H145 helicopters will complement the existing fleet of EC130 and EC155 Airbus helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters de México customer centre general manager Francisco Navarro said: "We highly value the long-standing partnership with Pegaso, and appreciate its confidence in our products."

"Pegaso can count on the best-in-class support to guarantee the highest availability of its new rotorcraft."

"Pegaso can count on the best-in-class support to guarantee the highest availability of its new rotorcraft."

The H145 helicopters will be specially designed to help Pegaso offer airlift services to the energy industry, especially to Gulf of Mexico oil and gas business.

Pegaso CEO Enrique Zepeda said: "The EC145 has performed very well in our operations, and we look forward to experiencing the enhanced capabilities of the new H145 version."

The H145 family of helicopters feature Helionix avionics suite and four-axis autopilot and Arriel 2E engines; an anti-torque system.

H145 helicopter also comes with Airbus’ Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, a new tail gearbox, and upgraded main gearbox.

Pegaso is also the launch customer of Airbus Helicopters’ super-medium-lift H175, which are scheduled to be delivered starting from 2016.


Image: An Airbus H145 twin-engine helicopter in flight. Photo: courtesy of Philippe Franceschini / Airbus Helicopters.