By Brooks M. Deering, The Chicago Times
April 8, 2023
BLAGNAC, FRANCE – Airbus Helicopters, a division of French aircraft giant Airbus, has signed a contract with GDAT, one of Communist China’s most prominent helicopter lessors and operators.
The deal was signed as French President Emmanuel Macron makes a state visit to Communist China. According to Airbus, the contract will fulfill orders for 50 H160 helicopters. GDAT claims the order for the H160 will be used for civilian purposes, such as offshore transportation for oil and gas platforms, wind farm maintenance, harbor piloting, emergency medical services, and other public service missions. Furthermore, Airbus Helicopters and GDAT signed a strategic cooperation agreement for support and services capabilities in order to ensure the long term success of the H160 in Communist China.
“We are honored GDAT has decided to bolster their all-Airbus fleet of 26 helicopters with the addition of 50 H160 helicopters,” Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said in a press release.
GDAT is a leading general aviation service provider in Communist China specializing in helicopter sales and leasing, maintenance, rescue flights, and other “government” services.
Introduced in 2015, the multi-role H160 helicopter is capable of performing a wide range of missions. There is also a military variant, the H160-M, that is used by the French Armed Forces.
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