Airbus delivered the first-ever H160 helicopter to Japanese operator All Nippon Helicopter (ANH), the manufacturer announced on December 10, 2021. Once deployed into service, the helicopter will be used for electronic news gathering for TV stations across Japan. 

The twin-engine multi-role helicopter was delivered from Airbus’ helicopter facility in Kobe, Japan. However, ANH will have to wait a bit longer before it can put its newest helicopter to service, as flight training and specialized equipment installation for electronic news gathering are yet to be carried out. 

The H160 service entry date is expected for 2022.  

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted the H160 the type certificate in July 2020. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau authorized the aircraft type in May 2021, followed by the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency in September 2021. 

The H160 is designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions such as offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation, as well as public services.  

“It is an honour to have ANH as our very first H160 operator,” Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO, is quoted in the company’s statement. “I would like to thank ANH for their continued trust and confidence in our helicopters. I’m also very proud of the hard work and dedication of our teams in France and Japan in preparation of the aircraft delivery. I can’t wait to see this next-generation helicopter flying the skies of Japan, playing a key role in the country’s electronic news gathering market.”  

“ANH is excited to be the first in the world to receive this state-of-the-art H160 helicopter to support our electronic news gathering missions,” said Jun Yanagawa, President of ANH. “The electronic news gathering industry is changing rapidly, and we are happy to have the perfect helicopter for our operations, becoming the leading workhorse in our Airbus fleet.”