Airbus Helicopters deepens presence in China

China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited (CSAGA) has ordered an Airbus H160 helicopter for offshore energy projects during the seventh China Helicopter Exposition, which opened on Thursday and will run through Sunday in north China's Tianjin Municipality.

The Airbus H160 is capable of performing missions in a wide range of fields, including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and private and commercial aviation. It has entered into service in countries such as Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

CSAGA is a subsidiary of China Southern Airlines Group Co., Ltd. and is one of the largest operations service providers in China's offshore oil and gas fields.

"The signing of the H160 helicopter contract demonstrates the cooperation and mutual trust, and proves the confidence and determination of both parties to develop the oil and gas offshore transportation market in China," said Li Erbao, chairman of CSAGA.

"This is an exciting milestone for both parties," said Colin James, managing director of Airbus Helicopters China, adding that CSAGA's offshore transport capabilities will be bolstered by the introduction of the H160 in 2026.

The ongoing helicopter expo has seen a record high number of participants, attracting more than 400 related companies from over 20 countries and regions. It features an expanded low-altitude economy exhibition area and is debuting multiple military helicopters, civilian helicopters and other low-altitude aircraft.

Since 2011, the China Helicopter Exposition -- the country's only national-level, professional international helicopter exhibition -- has provided a platform for global helicopter manufacturers to display equipment and promote international cooperation.

China's civil helicopter fleet is projected to grow to more than 1,700 aircraft by 2029, according to an annual forecast published by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Civil Aircraft Systems Engineering Research Center, unveiled at the China Helicopter Development Forum 2025 on Wednesday.

"We attach a huge significance to the Chinese market. It's a good opportunity for us to meet with all our customers, cooperation partners, and to catch up with how things are," said James, who moved to China three years ago and has participated in four Chinese air shows in Tianjin or Zhuhai.

From his perspective, the Chinese market for Airbus helicopters has always been very strategic. The company always regards China as a long-term strategic partner and an important emerging market.

Airbus Helicopters has been continuously expanding its presence in China since 1967, when it first delivered a helicopter to the country.

In December 2006, Airbus Helicopters established Airbus Helicopters China, with branches now located in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Wuhan, Harbin and Qingdao.

In Shandong Province, Airbus Helicopters operates the Airbus H135 final assembly line (FAL) -- its first H135 FAL outside Europe -- in Qingdao, with helicopter production commencing there in 2019.

In August 2024, the China headquarters of Airbus Helicopters was registered and established in Hengqin, Guangdong Province.

With over five decades in the Chinese market, more than 360 Airbus helicopters are operating in the country, serving 97 customers, according to Airbus Helicopters.

"The Chinese market is really in a very healthy state today. We have been actively integrating into China's helicopter industry ecosystem, and have committed to developing a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with China. We truly believe that win-win cooperation is the correct strategy," James said.

Airbus Helicopters is ready to provide end-to-end solutions for Chinese operators, including maintenance and after-sale support.

Through continued collaboration and exchange, trade volumes between China and Europe have increased, and great potential can be seen in the aviation industry, which contributes to economic growth and promotes a more mutually beneficial, sustainable global trading system, James said.