This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Linfox Becomes First Australian Customer for Airbus H160

Linfox, Australia’s largest privately-owned logistics company, has officially signed a purchase agreement for an Airbus H160, marking the first order for this next-generation helicopter in the Australian market. Announced on December 10, 2025, the deal represents a significant milestone for Airbus as it introduces its medium-twin rotorcraft to the region’s competitive corporate aviation sector.

According to the official press release from Airbus, the order follows a comprehensive four-week demonstration tour across Australia. During this campaign, the H160 logged over 2,000 kilometers and completed more than 60 flights, showcasing its capabilities to local operators. The aircraft will be managed by Linfox’s corporate flight department, which handles travel requirements for the company’s executives and the Fox family.

A Strategic Shift in Fleet Operations

The acquisition signals a notable shift in fleet strategy for the logistics giant. While Linfox has historically operated helicopters from rival manufacturers, this agreement establishes a new partnership with Airbus. Lindsay Fox, the founder of Linfox, emphasized the importance of trust and performance in this decision.

“We’re excited to take delivery of the Airbus H160. It is our first aircraft with Airbus and we look forward to a long relationship with such a trusted company that has a proven record of performance, safety and reliability.”

Lindsay Fox, Founder of Linfox, via Airbus Press Release

Olivier Michalon, EVP Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, noted the significance of securing a high-profile launch customer in the region.

“We’re truly honoured by Linfox’s endorsement of the H160’s capabilities… This first order marks an important milestone for Airbus in Australia. We look forward to seeing the H160 take flight in the country soon.”

Olivier Michalon, EVP Global Business at Airbus Helicopters

AirPro News Analysis: Breaking the Monopoly

The selection of the H160 by Linfox is a strategic conquest for Airbus in a market segment long dominated by the Leonardo AW139. Historical fleet data indicates that Linfox has traditionally favored Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) platforms for its corporate transport needs, with previous aircraft often bearing the registration VH-FOX.

By securing an order from one of Australia’s most prominent aviation and logistics families, who also own Avalon and Essendon Fields airports, Airbus has effectively validated the H160 as a viable contender against the incumbent “gold standard” in the 6-ton class. We believe this move may encourage other high-net-worth individuals and corporate operators in the Asia-Pacific region to re-evaluate their fleet replacement strategies, particularly as sustainability becomes a higher priority.

Technical Specifications and Sustainability

The H160 brings several technological advancements to the Australian market, specifically designed to address noise, fuel efficiency, and pilot workload. According to Airbus technical data, the aircraft features “Blue Edge” rotor blades with a distinctive hockey-stick shape, which reduce noise levels by 50% (a 3dB drop) compared to previous generation helicopters. This reduction is critical for operations near urban centers and noise-sensitive airports.

Powering the aircraft are two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines. These engines contribute to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption, aligning with broader corporate sustainability goals. For Linfox, which has outlined its “Leading the Way 2025” sustainability targets, the H160’s efficiency and compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) likely played a decisive role in the procurement process.

The flight deck is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, which includes four multifunction displays and “flight envelope protection.” This system is designed to prevent pilots from exceeding the aircraft’s safe operating limits, enhancing safety during complex missions or adverse weather conditions common in Australian coastal operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Linfox H160 be delivered?

While a specific delivery date was not explicitly stated in the December 10 announcement, standard industry lead times suggest a likely delivery in 2026.

What is the range of the Airbus H160?

The H160 has a range of approximately 475 nautical miles (880 km) with standard fuel tanks, making it suitable for inter-city corporate travel across Australia.

How many passengers can the H160 carry?

The aircraft can be configured for up to 12 passengers, though corporate VIP configurations, such as the one likely ordered by Linfox, typically seat between 4 and 8 passengers in a high-comfort layout.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release
• Linfox Corporate Website

This article summarizes reporting by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

From Guesswork to Precision: AI Takes on Aircraft Weight and Balance

The aviation industry is currently navigating a critical transition in how it calculates aircraft weight and balance (W&B). For decades, operators have relied on manual calculations and “standard average weights” for passengers and baggage, a method that is becoming increasingly untenable due to changing population demographics and stricter safety margins. According to recent reporting by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), artificial intelligence (AI) is now offering a viable path away from these estimates toward real-time, data-driven precision.

This shift is not merely about modernization; it addresses a core safety vulnerability. Improper weight distribution can lead to tail strikes, runway overruns, and loss of control. As noted in the NBAA report, the industry is seeing a divergence in solutions: some companies are developing hardware-based sensors to “weigh” the aircraft physically, while others are deploying software-based AI to integrate baggage data instantly.

The Problem with “Standard Weights”

Traditionally, pilots and loadmasters have used standard weight tables, such as assigning a fixed weight of 190 lbs to an adult passenger, to calculate an aircraft’s center of gravity (CG). However, regulatory bodies like the FAA and EASA have flagged this approach as increasingly inaccurate.

According to industry data highlighted in the NBAA report, the FAA’s Advisory Circular AC 120-27F urges operators to move toward “actual weight” programs. The reliance on averages forces airlines to apply large “curtailments”, safety buffers that reduce the amount of revenue-generating payload an aircraft can legally carry. Furthermore, manual data entry remains a persistent source of human error.

“Weight and CG errors are one of the most significant issues plaguing safe aircraft operations today… They are borne out of heavily manual, assumption-based calculations.”

— Bill Tiffany, CEO of Avix Aero (via NBAA)

Hardware Solutions: The “Smart Strut”

One of the most prominent hardware innovations covered in the report comes from Avix Aero. The company has developed an Onboard Weight and Balance System (OBWBS) that effectively converts an aircraft’s landing gear into a high-tech scale.

According to the source material, this system installs sensors directly onto the landing gear struts to measure pressure and stress. However, raw sensor data is often noisy due to wind, engine vibration, and aircraft movement. Avix Aero uses AI algorithms to “clean” this data in real-time, filtering out environmental noise to provide an instant, precise reading of the aircraft’s total weight and CG.

The NBAA notes that this technology has already achieved significant regulatory milestones. Avix Aero currently holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for major airframes, including the Boeing 737-NG and Boeing 777. By providing actual weight data, this system allows operators to eliminate the wasteful safety buffers required when using estimates.

Software Solutions: Integrating the Data

While hardware solutions focus on physical measurement, other innovators are using AI to streamline data management. The NBAA report highlights Abomis Innovations, which focuses on integrating AI with existing Baggage Reconciliation Systems (BRS).

Instead of estimating bag weights, the Abomis platform pulls exact weight data from check-in scales for every piece of luggage loaded. The AI then automates the decision-making process for load distribution, verifying safety limits before the pilot receives the final load sheet.

Similarly, Lufthansa Systems utilizes a “Management by Exception” approach with its NetLine/Load tool. According to the report, this system uses reinforcement learning to automate routine load control tasks. This efficiency allows a single human controller to safely manage up to 100 flights per shift, as the AI only alerts them to complex, non-standard situations.

AirPro News Analysis

While the safety benefits of AI-driven weight and balance are clear, we believe the economic drivers will be the primary catalyst for widespread adoption. The current system of “curtailment” forces airlines to leave potential cargo or passengers behind to account for the inaccuracy of standard weight averages.

By switching to precise, real-time weighing, whether through smart struts or integrated baggage data, airlines can reclaim that lost capacity. In an industry with razor-thin margins, the ability to safely carry even a few hundred pounds of additional freight per flight, or to optimize trim for fuel efficiency based on exact CG, represents a substantial financial advantage. We expect to see carriers prioritize these technologies not just for compliance, but for the immediate ROI on fuel and payload optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are standard passenger weights considered unsafe?

Standard weights are averages that may not reflect the actual passengers on a specific flight. As population obesity rates change and carry-on baggage habits evolve, these averages become less reliable, potentially leading to calculation errors that affect aircraft stability.

Does the FAA require weighing every passenger?

Not currently. While the FAA encourages “actual weight” programs, weighing every passenger is logistically difficult. Technologies like those from Avix Aero and Abomis offer a middle ground: precise data without the bottleneck of weighing passengers at the gate.

What is the difference between hardware and software AI solutions?

Hardware solutions (like Avix) use physical sensors on the aircraft to weigh it in real-time. Software solutions (like Abomis) use digital data from check-in scales and other sources to calculate the weight more accurately than manual estimates.

Sources

• NBAA
• FAA AC 120-27F

This article is based on an official press release from Beyond Aero and additional public industry data.

Beyond Aero Advances Industrialization Plans with Factory Feasibility Study

Beyond Aero, the Toulouse-based developer of hydrogen-electric business aircraft, has officially completed the feasibility study for its future manufacturing facility. According to a company announcement, this milestone marks a critical transition from the design and prototyping phase to industrial-scale production. The company is now actively evaluating potential sites in France and across Europe to host the new plant.

The study, conducted in collaboration with industrial partners Porsche Consulting and the Kardham Group, outlines a blueprint for a facility capable of producing up to 120 aircraft annually. This development comes as the company solidifies its financial standing, having closed a $20 million Series A funding round in late 2024 or early 2025, bringing its total capital raised to approximately $44 million.

Blueprint for a Hydrogen-Electric Factory

The newly finalized industrial plan details a 17,000-square-meter (183,000 sq ft) campus designed to house the Final Assembly Line (FAL), a delivery center, a customer showroom, and integrated Research & Development (R&D) facilities. Beyond Aero states that the site is expected to generate approximately 225 production jobs once fully operational.

Production Capacity and Philosophy

According to the specifications released by the company, the factory is designed for an initial output of 60 aircraft per year, with built-in scalability to reach 120 units annually. The manufacturing strategy, developed with Porsche Consulting, emphasizes “light automation.”

Rather than relying on heavy robotics, which can be capital-intensive and rigid, the assembly process will prioritize flexibility and cost-efficiency by utilizing pre-equipped modules from suppliers. The Kardham Group contributed to the architectural design, focusing on sustainability standards for the new campus.

The “One” Business Jet

The facility will be dedicated to producing the “One” (technically referred to as BYA-1), a clean-sheet business jet designed to be the first hydrogen-electric aircraft certified under CS-23 regulations. The aircraft targets the private aviation market with a range of 800 nautical miles (1,500 km) and a capacity of six to eight passengers.

The propulsion system utilizes gaseous hydrogen fuel cells to power two rear-mounted ducted electric fans. A key design feature noted in technical briefings is the integration of hydrogen tanks into a “fattened” fuselage belly, a safety-centric architecture intended to keep high-pressure fuel lines outside the pressurized cabin.

Commercial Momentum

Beyond Aero reports significant commercial interest in the platform. The company holds Letters of Intent (LOIs) for 108 aircraft, representing a potential order book value of approximately $914 million. The targeted entry into service for the “One” is currently set for 2030, with a design freeze expected by 2027.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to partner with Porsche Consulting for industrial architecture signals a pragmatic approach to aerospace manufacturing. By avoiding the “automation trap,” where startups over-invest in robotics before stabilizing production rates, Beyond Aero appears to be mitigating the capital risks that have plagued other advanced air mobility ventures.

Furthermore, the search for a factory site across Europe suggests the company is leveraging its potential economic impact to secure favorable incentives. While Toulouse remains a logical hub due to its aerospace ecosystem, the willingness to look elsewhere indicates that regional subsidies and support for green technology will play a decisive role in the final location selection.

Market Context and Competition

The aviation industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize by 2050, sparking a “hydrogen race” among manufacturers. While giants like Airbus focus on larger commercial airliners through the ZeroE program, Beyond Aero is targeting the “smaller, sooner” segment. By focusing on CS-23 certification (aircraft under 19,000 lbs), the company aims to navigate a faster regulatory pathway compared to commercial transport category aircraft.

Competitors in the sustainable regional and business aviation space include VoltAero and Aura Aero, though these companies often pursue hybrid-electric architectures. Other players like Blue Spirit Aero are also exploring hydrogen-electric light aircraft. However, Beyond Aero’s specific focus on a clean-sheet business jet using gaseous hydrogen distinguishes its market position, particularly regarding infrastructure compatibility with existing Fixed Base Operators (FBOs).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for the Beyond Aero “One” aircraft?
The company targets a design freeze by 2027 and Entry into Service (EIS) by 2030.

How is the aircraft powered?
It uses a hydrogen-electric powertrain where gaseous hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity to drive two ducted fans.

Who are the key investors in Beyond Aero?
Investors include Giant Ventures, Bpifrance (Deeptech 2030 fund), Initialized Capital, and angel investors such as Nate Blecharczyk (Airbnb) and Arash Ferdowsi (Dropbox).

Where will the new factory be located?
The site has not yet been selected. Beyond Aero is currently evaluating locations in France and other European countries.

Sources

• Beyond Aero Press Release