MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier 2024 Supplier Recognition Program Highlights Excellence and Sustainability
Bombardier honors top suppliers in 2024, adding awards for sustainability, quality, and partnership to strengthen aerospace supply chains.
The announcement of Bombardier’s 2024 Supplier Recognition Program winners marks a significant milestone in the Canadian aerospace manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to supply chain excellence and strategic partnership development. This year, Bombardier recognized 26 Diamond Award recipients and introduced three new award categories, Environmental Sustainability, Quality, and Outstanding Partnership, reflecting an adaptive approach to modern supply chain management challenges. These developments come at a pivotal time for the aerospace industry, as companies navigate complex supply chain disruptions, sustainability imperatives, and evolving market demands that require unprecedented collaboration between manufacturers and their supplier networks.
Bombardier’s supplier recognition initiative underscores the company’s position as a leader in business jet manufacturing. The program not only celebrates operational excellence but also addresses critical industry trends such as environmental responsibility, quality management, and strategic collaboration. As the aerospace sector continues to evolve, Bombardier’s approach offers a blueprint for fostering resilient, innovative, and sustainable supply chains.
Understanding the structure and impact of Bombardier’s 2024 Supplier Recognition Program provides valuable insight into the broader dynamics of aerospace supply chain management, the role of supplier partnerships, and the strategic priorities shaping the future of the industry.
Bombardier’s supplier recognition initiatives are rooted in the company’s long-standing commitment to operational excellence and partnership development. The Diamond Supplier Program, established several years ago, serves as the cornerstone of these efforts, acknowledging suppliers that demonstrate outstanding operational performance, continuous improvement, and adherence to high-quality standards. Traditionally, 26 suppliers have been recognized annually, providing a stable framework and clear benchmarks for Bombardier’s extensive supplier network.
The historical context of these programs mirrors Bombardier’s transformation from a diversified industrial conglomerate to a focused business aviation manufacturer. Founded in 1942, Bombardier has evolved from snowmobile production to becoming a leading global producer of aircraft and trains. Financial pressures in the mid-2010s led to a strategic refocusing on business jet manufacturing, making streamlined and effective supplier management more critical than ever for operational excellence.
This evolution reflects broader trends in the aerospace industry, where companies are shifting from transactional supplier relationships to deeper, more collaborative partnerships. Modern aerospace manufacturers recognize that competitive advantage increasingly depends on suppliers who can provide innovation, flexibility, and resilience. Bombardier’s supplier recognition programs have thus broadened from simple performance acknowledgment to comprehensive partnership development, encompassing environmental sustainability, quality, and strategic collaboration.
The 2024 Supplier Recognition Program marks a significant expansion in Bombardier’s supplier partnership strategy, introducing three new award categories to address contemporary industry priorities. The Environmental Sustainability, Quality, and Outstanding Partnership awards complement the traditional Diamond Award, emphasizing that operational performance alone is no longer sufficient in today’s complex aerospace landscape.
The Environmental Sustainability award reflects growing industry emphasis on environmental responsibility. Suppliers must now report scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate robust energy consumption tracking. This aligns with global trends toward carbon footprint reduction and regulatory compliance, positioning Bombardier’s supply chain to meet evolving market and regulatory demands. The Quality award underscores the critical role of defect prevention and comprehensive quality management in aerospace manufacturing. Suppliers are recognized not just for meeting specifications but for fostering a quality culture across their organizations and sub-tier suppliers. The Outstanding Partnership category, meanwhile, highlights suppliers who support Bombardier’s strategic objectives through innovation, collaboration, and long-term relationship building.
“The new award categories allow Bombardier to highlight the leadership, innovation, and collaboration that defines our supplier community and reinforces our shared commitment to excellence.” — Éric Filion, Executive Vice President, Programs and Supply Chain, Bombardier
The 2024 Diamond Award recipients represent a diverse global supply chain, including companies in Production, Indirect Goods and Services, and Aftermarket categories. Notable winners in the Production segment include Coordinate Industries, Diehl Aviation Laupheim, F. List Austria, F. List Canada, Groupe Meloche, Metal Finishing Company, Placeteco, Plastiques Flexibülb, Sealth Aero Marine, ShinMaywa Industries Aircraft Division, and thyssenkrupp Aerospace Canada. These companies exemplify the international scope of Bombardier’s supply chain, covering everything from interior components to specialized aerospace technologies.
Winners in Indirect Goods and Services, such as Actalent Services, Aerotek Canada, Avis Budget Group, Capgemini Canada, Sogeclair, and Sterling (a Kuehne + Nagel Company), provide essential support ranging from engineering and IT to logistics and transportation. Their recognition underscores the importance of a sophisticated support ecosystem in modern aerospace manufacturing.
Eligibility for Diamond Award recognition is stringent: suppliers must maintain business volume above $1 million USD, hold valid contracts, and demonstrate consistent delivery performance. Additional requirements include completing supply chain visibility assessments and adhering to Bombardier’s Supplier Code of Conduct. These standards ensure that recognized suppliers align with Bombardier’s operational, strategic, and compliance objectives.
“Recognizing suppliers for their sustained operational excellence and innovation is key to building strong, collaborative partnerships.” — Shauna Gamble, Chief Procurement Officer, Bombardier
The 2024 Supplier Recognition Program launch comes amid significant global supply chain challenges in aerospace. According to the 2024 Aerospace Supply Chain Resilience Report, one-third of aerospace companies are unprepared for planned production increases due to shortages in personnel, production capacity, or capital. Disruptions have increased in severity, particularly among Tier-1 suppliers, due to material shortages and longer lead times.
These challenges highlight the importance of supplier recognition programs as tools for risk management and resilience. By identifying and reinforcing relationships with high-performing suppliers, Bombardier strengthens its ability to navigate industry-wide disruptions and maintain operational stability. The program’s comprehensive approach to performance, sustainability, and collaboration is particularly valuable in this volatile environment.
Digital transformation is another critical trend. Industry research indicates that 78% of aerospace supply chain leaders believe digital solutions enhance visibility and transparency. These technologies help companies manage regulatory demands, improve production efficiency, and respond to crises proactively. Bombardier’s recognition of digitally advanced suppliers implicitly supports industry-wide digitalization efforts.
Bombardier’s supplier recognition program operates within the context of its substantial economic impact. In 2024, Bombardier contributed $7.4 billion to Canadian GDP and supported nearly 50,000 jobs nationwide, according to PwC. The company’s supplier network is vast, comprising over 1,550 Canadian suppliers and 2,800 product suppliers in 40 countries, plus 3,700 indirect goods and services suppliers globally. Strong supplier relationships underpin Bombardier’s financial performance. In 2024, the company reported $8.7 billion in revenue, an 8% year-over-year increase, and delivered 146 aircraft. Services revenue reached $2.04 billion, driven by aftermarket suppliers who maintain Bombardier’s global fleet. These achievements are directly linked to the operational excellence of suppliers recognized in the Diamond Award program.
The company’s backlog of $14.4 billion, representing approximately 1.7 times annual revenue, provides visibility into future production needs and underscores the importance of reliable supplier partnerships. S&P Global Ratings’ June 2024 upgrade of Bombardier’s credit rating to ‘B+’ further highlights the company’s financial stability and strategic direction.
Comparing the 2024 program to previous years reveals both continuity and evolution. The number of Diamond Award recipients remains consistent, reflecting high performance standards and exclusivity. Several suppliers, including Diehl Aviation Laupheim, F. List Austria, and Groupe Meloche, have maintained Diamond Award status across multiple years, demonstrating sustainable excellence.
The most notable change in 2024 is the introduction of three new award categories. While 2023 saw the inaugural Outstanding Partnership award, the 2024 program expands recognition to Environmental Sustainability and Quality, signaling Bombardier’s commitment to multi-dimensional supplier excellence. The annual September recognition ceremony in Montreal reinforces the program’s institutional consistency and importance within Bombardier’s strategic calendar.
Leadership perspectives reinforce the program’s strategic value. Éric Filion and Shauna Gamble have both emphasized the connection between supplier excellence and Bombardier’s global success, highlighting the role of recognition in fostering a culture of innovation, reliability, and collaboration. Industry experts, such as NBAA’s Doug Carr, also stress the importance of workforce development and modernization in achieving supply chain resilience.
The 2024 Supplier Recognition Program is set against a backdrop of rapid transformation in global aerospace supply chains. Technological advancements like artificial intelligence, digital twins, and generative AI are reshaping product development and maintenance, requiring suppliers to adapt and innovate. Recognition programs that reward such capabilities are increasingly vital.
Visibility and collaboration are now central to supply chain management. Integrating inbound, outbound, and third-party shipments, while fostering collaboration among suppliers, logistics providers, and customers, is critical for managing complexity and mitigating risks. Bombardier’s recognition program encourages these collaborative behaviors by formally acknowledging outstanding partnership and innovation.
Market dynamics also play a role. The business jet market is forecasted to grow steadily, with projections of 12,800 aircraft deliveries valued at $353 billion from 2024 to 2033. North America remains the dominant market, but China’s increasing share underscores the need for suppliers who can navigate diverse regulatory and market environments. Sustainability requirements are also becoming more stringent, making the Environmental Sustainability award particularly relevant. Bombardier’s 2024 Supplier Recognition Program represents a sophisticated evolution in aerospace supply chain management. By expanding recognition beyond operational performance to include sustainability, quality, and partnership, Bombardier demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The program not only rewards excellence but also drives supplier investment in capabilities critical for future success.
Looking ahead, Bombardier’s multi-dimensional recognition approach positions the company to navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny, supply chain complexity, and evolving customer demands. As the aerospace sector continues to transform, supplier recognition programs like Bombardier’s will play a pivotal role in building resilient, innovative, and sustainable supply networks that support long-term business growth and industry leadership.
What is the Bombardier Supplier Recognition Program? How are suppliers selected for the Diamond Award? What are the new award categories introduced in 2024? Why is supplier recognition important in the aerospace industry? How does Bombardier’s supplier program impact its business performance? Sources:
Bombardier‘s 2024 Supplier Recognition Program: Strategic Partnership Excellence in a Transforming Aerospace Industry
Background and Historical Evolution of Bombardier’s Supplier Recognition Programs
Program Structure and Revolutionary Innovations in 2024
Award Recipients and Performance Excellence Metrics
Industry Context and Supply Chain Resilience Challenges
Economic Impact and Strategic Significance
Comparative Analysis and Strategic Leadership Insights
Global Aerospace Supply Chain Transformation Trends
Conclusion
FAQ
The program recognizes suppliers who demonstrate outstanding operational performance, sustainability, quality, and strategic partnership, helping to drive excellence and innovation across Bombardier’s supply chain.
Suppliers are evaluated based on business volume, contract validity, delivery performance, compliance with Bombardier’s Supplier Code of Conduct, and completion of required assessments.
The 2024 program added Environmental Sustainability, Quality, and Outstanding Partnership categories, reflecting Bombardier’s focus on multi-dimensional supplier excellence.
Supplier recognition fosters stronger relationships, encourages continuous improvement, and helps manage risks in a complex, highly regulated industry.
Recognized suppliers contribute to Bombardier’s operational excellence, financial performance, and ability to deliver high-quality products and services worldwide.
Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Industrializes Thermoplastic Composite Upcycling in Aerospace
Daher accelerates industrial-scale upcycling of thermoplastic composites, recycling aerospace scrap into high-performance materials for aircraft manufacturing.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher.
French aerospace manufacturers Daher has announced a significant acceleration in the industrialization of thermoplastic composite upcycling. According to an official company press release, the group is preparing to supply upcycled materials to manufacturers facing challenges with production ramp-ups, material sovereignty, and decarbonization.
The announcement, made during the JEC World 2026 trade show in Paris, highlights Daher’s transition from research and development to industrial-scale deployment. The company confirmed it is structuring a complete upcycling value chain, capturing scrap material and reintroducing it into new manufacturing cycles.
As part of this initiative, Daher received two JEC Innovation Awards, recognizing its advancements in both aeronautical parts manufacturing and end-of-life aircraft recycling. The company noted that it has spent more than 10 years investing in thermoplastic composites to meet the rigorous demands of modern aeronautical programs.
The foundation of Daher’s upcycling strategy begins on the factory floor. In its press release, the company detailed a structured process implemented at its Saint-Aignan-de-Grandlieu plant in France’s Loire-Atlantique region, working in tandem with its Shap’in technology center. Production scrap is collected on-site, ground down, and transformed into a semi-finished product.
Currently, Daher reports that 100 percent of its pure carbon polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) scrap is upcycled through this method. The end result is a specialized pellet containing 56 percent carbon fiber. Because the material is derived from continuous fibers that are reprocessed into short fibers, it maintains high mechanical performance, including strong resistance to temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure.
The industrial scale-up of this process is expected to yield an estimated production capacity of four to eight metric tons of carbon PPS pellets per year. Daher noted in the release that it currently has 1.5 metric tons available for sale and is actively exploring customer applications, including uses outside the traditional aeronautics sector.
Additionally, the company has utilized the same scrap material to develop a filament for additive manufacturing, creating new avenues for 3D printing complex technical parts. A component produced using this new filament was displayed at the company’s JEC World 2026 booth. Beyond factory scrap, Daher is applying its thermoplastic expertise to retired aircraft components. A notable project, which secured a 2026 JEC Innovation Award, involves a collaboration with Airbus, Toray Advanced Composites, and Tarmac Aerosave.
According to the company statement, this partnership successfully recycled thermoplastic composite panels from a retired A380 aircraft. The panels were cut and reintegrated into the production line to manufacture new parts for the A320neo program. This demonstration underscores the viability of circular manufacturing in commercial-aircraft.
“For more than 10 years, we’ve invested in thermoplastic composites to meet aircraft manufacturers’ requirements in terms of production rates, weight reduction and performance. Today, we are taking a further step by industrializing materials derived from upcycling. This capability allows us to optimize the use of a strategic material, strengthen our material autonomy and open new application opportunities, both in aeronautics and beyond.”
We view Daher’s announcement as a critical indicator of the aerospace industry’s broader shift toward circular economy principles. As supply-chain constraints and material sovereignty remain pressing issues for global manufacturers, the ability to reclaim and reuse high-performance materials like carbon PPS offers a strategic buffer.
Furthermore, the successful integration of upcycled A380 panels into the A320neo production line demonstrates that recycled composites can meet the rigorous safety and performance standards required for commercial flight. If scaled effectively, these upcycling processes could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of aircraft manufacturing while lowering raw material costs.
It is the process of taking scrap or end-of-life thermoplastic composite materials and reprocessing them into new, high-performance materials for manufacturing, rather than discarding them as waste.
According to the company, the scaled-up process has an estimated production capacity of four to eight metric tons of carbon PPS pellets per year, with 1.5 metric tons currently available for sale.
Daher partnered with Airbus, Toray Advanced Composites, and Tarmac Aerosave to recycle thermoplastic panels from a retired A380 and use them to produce new parts for the A320neo.
Transforming Factory Scrap into Technical Materials
Scaling Up Production Capacity
Repurposing End-of-Life Aeronautical Structures
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thermoplastic composite upcycling?
How much upcycled material can Daher produce?
What aircraft are involved in Daher’s recycling project?
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace and Airbus Advance Next-Gen Helicopter Propulsion Design
GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters progress joint research on a clean-sheet helicopter propulsion system to reduce fuel use and emissions.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On March 10, 2026, GE Aerospace announced the progression of its joint research collaboration with European rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters. According to the official press release, the two aerospace giants are advancing their efforts to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter propulsion system. This partnership, which was initially unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024, aims to drastically reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for future rotorcraft.
Having successfully completed the foundational research phase, the collaboration is now entering a critical new stage. The companies are shifting their focus toward detailed engine design concepts and evaluating component-level efficiencies. We note that this development represents a significant milestone in the rotorcraft industry’s broader push toward decarbonization, mirroring sustainability trends currently driving fixed-wing commercial aviation.
The transition from foundational research to detailed design marks a pivotal moment for the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership. The shared objective, as outlined in the company’s announcement, is to mature a propulsion architecture that establishes new industry benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility without compromising the rigorous performance and durability required by next-generation rotorcraft.
To achieve these ambitious goals, GE Aerospace stated it is utilizing its proprietary lean operating model, known as FLIGHT DECK. Championed by CEO Larry Culp, this system is built on principles of continuous improvement, respect for people, and a customer-driven focus. By applying the FLIGHT DECK methodology, which relentlessly targets Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC), GE aims to eliminate engineering waste and accelerate the timeline for bringing this sustainable turboshaft engine to the testing and fielding stages.
“GE Aerospace is excited to enter this next phase with Airbus Helicopters to advance the technologies and design approaches that can shape the future of helicopter propulsion. Together, we are focused on understanding what it will take to deliver meaningful sustainability and efficiency gains, while continuing to meet the demanding mission needs of our helicopter operators.”
— Elissa Lee, Executive Director of Commercial Turboshaft Engines at GE Aerospace
Historically, Airbus Helicopters has relied heavily on European engine manufacturer Safran Helicopter Engines, as well as Pratt & Whitney Canada, to power its civil and military rotorcraft fleets. Prior to this clean-sheet project, GE’s presence on Airbus-linked products was largely limited to the CT7 engine, which is offered as an option on the NHIndustries NH90 military helicopter.
According to the provided research data, this partnership represents a major diversification of Airbus’s Supply-Chain. For GE Aerospace, which already dominates the military rotorcraft engine market with powerplants like the T700 (used on the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache), this collaboration opens a massive door. Airbus Helicopters was previously the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines. At AirPro News, we view this advancement as a highly strategic maneuver for both entities. For Airbus, Partnerships with a U.S.-based engine powerhouse like GE Aerospace provides a hedge against supply chain bottlenecks and introduces fresh technological competition into its vendor ecosystem. Furthermore, GE’s 2024 clarification that this engine will be a “clean-sheet design,” potentially incorporating elements of hybridization rather than deriving from existing models like the Catalyst or CT7, signals a willingness to take substantial research and development risks to capture commercial market share.
Following its 2024 spin-off as an independent public company, GE Aerospace has maintained a massive global footprint. Company data indicates an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines, supported by roughly 57,000 employees. Successfully fielding a commercial engine with Airbus would solidify GE’s dominance across both civil and defense rotorcraft sectors, while simultaneously addressing the urgent industry mandate for decarbonization.
The collaboration aims to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter Propulsion system focused on significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maintaining high performance and reliability.
FLIGHT DECK is GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating system. It focuses on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) to eliminate waste in the engineering process and accelerate the development timeline of new technologies.
Airbus Helicopters has traditionally relied on Safran and Pratt & Whitney Canada for its engines, making it the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines. This partnership diversifies Airbus’s supply chain and allows GE Aerospace to significantly expand its footprint in the commercial Helicopters market.
Sources: GE Aerospace Press Release
Advancing to Detailed Design Concepts
The Strategic Shift in Rotorcraft Propulsion
Diversifying the Supply Chain
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary goal of the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership?
What is the FLIGHT DECK model mentioned by GE Aerospace?
Why is this partnership historically significant for the industry?
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Bristow Receives First Airbus H160 Helicopters for Nigerian Offshore Transport
Bristow Group takes delivery of two Airbus H160 helicopters leased from Milestone Aviation to support offshore energy transport in Nigeria.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
On March 10, 2026, Bristow Group Inc. officially took delivery of its first two Airbus H160 medium-twin helicopters. According to an official press release from Airbus, these next-generation aircraft are leased through Milestone Aviation Group and are currently undergoing final preparations in Nigeria before entering active service.
The delivery marks a significant milestone for offshore energy transportation in West Africa. The two helicopters are part of a larger five-aircraft lease agreement designed to support mission-critical flights for the region’s oil and gas sector. Airbus confirmed that the remaining three aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
We note that the introduction of the H160 to the African continent represents a major step in the ongoing modernization of offshore aviation support. By integrating these advanced rotorcraft, operators are aiming to bring enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved safety to demanding maritime environments.
The deployment of the H160 in Nigeria builds upon Bristow’s extensive historical footprint in the region. Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited has been operating since 1960, providing essential aviation services to major integrated offshore energy companies. Introducing a clean-sheet aircraft design to this specific market reinforces the company’s operational capabilities in West Africa.
Company leadership emphasized the strategic advantages of the new fleet. In the official release, Bristow highlighted the aircraft’s specific suitability for the region’s logistical demands.
“The introduction of the H160 into Nigeria represents a meaningful step forward for our offshore operations in West Africa. This aircraft brings a combination of advanced technology, operational flexibility, and improved fuel efficiency,” stated Stu Stavely, Chief Operating Officer of Offshore Energy Services at Bristow Group.
The foundation for this delivery was laid in November 2025, when the lease agreement was originally announced during the Dubai Airshow. According to the provided source material, Milestone Aviation Group is the first lessor to introduce the H160 aircraft type into Bristow’s global fleet.
Milestone Aviation Group, a prominent global helicopter leasing company, focuses heavily on investing in new-technology medium and super-medium helicopters tailored for mission-critical sectors. “Milestone is pleased to support Bristow with the lease of five new H160s… Our continued investment in next generation medium and supermedium helicopters ensures our customers have access to the most efficient and capable aircraft,” said Pat Sheedy, Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Aviation Group.
The Airbus H160 is a medium-class twin-engine helicopter explicitly tailored for offshore energy missions, search and rescue (SAR), and emergency medical services (EMS). According to Airbus specifications, the aircraft is configured to carry one or two pilots alongside up to 12 passengers, which serves as the optimal layout for offshore crew changes.
Powered by two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, each generating 1,280 shaft horsepower, the H160 offers a recommended cruise speed of 138 knots (255 km/h) and a maximum range of 480 nautical miles (890 km). Furthermore, Airbus reports that the fully composite airframe and advanced engine technology deliver an 18% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation helicopters in its class.
“This delivery underscores our commitment to supporting the energy sector with a helicopter that sets new standards in safety, comfort, and competitiveness with its 18% reduction in fuel burn,” remarked Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
Operational safety in offshore environments relies heavily on advanced avionics. The H160 is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, which features a four-axis autopilot and automated systems designed specifically to reduce pilot workload during demanding offshore approaches.
Additionally, the aircraft utilizes a canted Fenestron tail rotor and a biplane tailplane stabilizer. Airbus notes that these design choices significantly reduce the helicopter’s external acoustic footprint while improving overall handling. Its compact rotor diameter of 13.4 meters also allows it to operate efficiently from smaller offshore helidecks.
The offshore helicopter transport industry is currently navigating a critical fleet renewal phase. For years, the medium-class offshore market relied heavily on legacy platforms. Following Sikorsky’s decision to end production of the widely utilized S-76, operators have been actively seeking modern replacements. We observe that the Airbus H160, alongside competitors like the Leonardo AW139, is strategically positioned to fill this operational void.
The global rollout of the H160 is accelerating. Having received EASA certification in 2020 and FAA validation in 2023, the aircraft is now transitioning from the testing and certification phases into active, heavy-duty commercial-aircraft service. Beyond its introduction in Africa, the H160 is being integrated into North American offshore operations and is securing substantial orders in emerging markets like China. Bristow’s adoption of the H160 in Nigeria serves as a strong indicator of the industry’s confidence in the platform’s maturity and reliability for mission-critical energy support.
What is the Airbus H160 primarily used for in Nigeria? How many H160 helicopters is Bristow leasing? What makes the H160 different from older helicopters?
Fleet Modernization and Strategic Deployment
Expanding Capabilities in West Africa
The Milestone Aviation Partnership
Technical Profile of the Airbus H160
Performance and Environmental Efficiency
Advanced Avionics and Safety Features
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Airbus H160 helicopters delivered to Bristow Group will be deployed to support mission-critical offshore transportation for the energy sector, specifically moving crews to and from oil and gas platforms.
Bristow has agreed to lease a total of five Airbus H160 helicopters from Milestone Aviation Group. The first two were delivered on March 10, 2026, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
According to Airbus, the H160 features a fully composite airframe, advanced Helionix avionics, and Safran Arrano 1A engines that provide an 18% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation helicopters in its class. It also features a canted Fenestron tail rotor for reduced noise and improved handling.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
-
Regulations & Safety6 days agoGreen Taxi Aerospace Gains FAA Approval for Electric Taxi System
-
Regulations & Safety5 days agoUnited Airlines Plane Collides with Deicing Truck at Denver Airport
-
Regulations & Safety4 days agoNTSB Finds No Mechanical Failure in Bangor Challenger 600 Crash
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries4 days agoBoeing Nears 500-Jet Order from China Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries5 days agoBoeing 777-9 Vibration Testing Advances 2026 Certification Plans