Helicopters and Rotorcraft: Latest News
Helicopters do the flying that fixed-wing aircraft cannot: offshore energy, emergency medical services, search and rescue, firefighting, utility and police work, corporate transport, and the bulk of military tactical airlift.
The market is dominated by four civil manufacturers — Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Bell and Sikorsky — with Robinson in the light segment, and by the same names plus Boeing on the military side. This page gathers every AirPro News story on rotorcraft, newest first.
What we watch
- Civil programmes and orders. The Airbus H125, H145, H160 and H175; Leonardo’s AW139, AW169 and AW189; Bell’s 407, 429 and 525; Sikorsky’s S-92 and S-76 — and the offshore, EMS and VIP operators who order them.
- Military rotorcraft. The US Army’s future vertical lift programmes, Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook production and upgrades, NH90 and Tiger fleets in Europe, and the export campaigns for each.
- Certification and safety. New type and variant certifications, airworthiness directives and the safety programmes run by operators and regulators.
- MRO and support. Engine and dynamic-component support, PBH contracts, and the independent maintainers that keep offshore and utility fleets flying.
- What replaces the helicopter. Tiltrotors, compound designs and the eVTOL aircraft that aim at helicopter missions in cities and offshore.
Latest helicopter coverage
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DOT Inspector General Audits FAA Oversight of Helicopter Air Tours
The DOT OIG opened an audit of FAA safety oversight of helicopter air tours, including the aerial photography loophole cited by the…
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Global Medical Response Orders More Bell 407GXi Helicopters
GMR expands its IFR-capable air ambulance fleet with a new Bell 407GXi purchase order announced October 28, 2026.
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HALO-Flight Orders Bell 407GXi to Expand IFR Fleet to Seven
South Texas nonprofit HALO-Flight ordered an additional Bell 407GXi at AMTC 2026, growing its IFR-capable fleet to seven aircraft.
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Life Flight Network Orders Five Airbus H135 Helicopters
Life Flight Network expands its H135 order to eight total aircraft, supporting air medical operations across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
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India DAC Clears Rs 2.12 Lakh Crore Defence Acquisitions
India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved Rs 2,12,000 crore in military procurement, with 82% directed to domestic manufacturers.
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U.S. Army Validates AH-64E Apache Maritime Lifting Sling
The U.S. Army validated a lifting sling for the AH-64E Apache, enabling crane-based maritime loading with rotor blades folded.
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Bell and Air Methods Display Bell 429 HEMS at AMTC 2026
Bell and Air Methods showcase a UnityPoint LifeFlight Bell 429 helicopter at AMTC 2026 in Fort Worth, Oct. 26-28.
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FAA Proposes Torque Inspection AD for 980 Airbus Helicopters
FAA NPRM targets AS350, AS355, and EC130 helicopters over a nut retainer coating flaw that risks main rotor servo-control disconnection.
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Airbus H140 Completes US Hot and High Flight Test Campaign
Airbus H140 logs 130+ flight hours across three US states, gathering FAA and EASA certification data ahead of 2028 entry into service.
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New Zealand Buys Five MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters for $1.6B
New Zealand finalizes a $1.648 billion NZD FMS deal for five Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawks, replacing its Super Seasprite fleet.
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Milestone Aviation Extends 11 Airbus H225 Leases With ACHI
Milestone Aviation and Air Center Helicopters extend leases on 11 H225s through June 2033 for government and expeditionary missions.
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Bell MV-75 Cheyenne Nacelles Complete, Gearbox Testing Begins
Bell Textron completes first MV-75 Cheyenne nacelles and begins gearbox testing as the FLRAA program targets a 2028 production decision.
Related topics
Airbus · eVTOL & AAM · Military aircraft · Air forces · MRO · Certification · Engines
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