Anaheim Ca (USA)

HAI Heli-Expo 2020

27 - 30 Januari 2020

Credits: Kenneth I. Swartz, Lukas Hollnsteiner, Damon J. Duran (Flickr), Zenon Sanchez, Vertical Flight Society (Youtube), Vertical Magazine, (Youtube), Helis.com, Airbus helicopters, Bell, Enstrom, Leonardo, Kopter Group

The annual HAI Heli-Expo took place in the Anaheim Convention Center (CA) from 27 till 30 January 2020.

The 2020 show covered over 29000 square metres with 657 exhibiting companies on the show floor. There were also 62 helicopters on display, ranging from small to large and from older aircraft to mock-ups of models approaching certification. Also displayed were several remotely piloted vehicles. There were a few major headlines this year with perhaps the biggest being Leonardo buying Kopter.

Airbus Helicopters announced performance enhancements on both their H125 and H135. DRF (Germany) orders 15 new H145s, 3 H135s and retrofits its current H145 fleet. NASA ordered three H135 helicopters for security during rocket launches, emergency medical services and qualified personnel transport. Maverick Helicopters announced a CRFS (crash resistant fuel system) retrofit for its EC130B4 fleet. Metro Aviation adds 12 EC145e helicopters to its fleet. The US Customs and Border Protection will enhance its patrol and surveillance capabilities with the addition of 16 new Airbus H125 helicopters. Svensk Luftambulans – has ordered three new H145 helicopters. The Swedish company will also have its existing three earlier model H145s retrofitted to the same standard as the new aircraft. Ascent Helicopters will expand its fleet with a new Airbus H125 in support of power line work and firefighting missions.

Metro Aviation announced the delivery of the first Americanmade EC145e, which was completed for Duke Life Flight.

The Tennessee Valley Authority will add four Bell aircraft including two Bell 429 and the first two IFR configured Bell 407GXi aircraft to their fleet. Bell signed a purchase agreement with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit for a public safety configured Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. The manufacturer also announced a signed purchase agreement with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in Tallahassee for a public safety-configured Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.

Milestone Aviation Group announced the purchase and leaseback of three AW139s with French helicopter services provider Héli-Union. The transaction also includes the lease of an additional AW139, two Airbus H225s, and the lease extension of a further AW139 for use in Africa and Asia.

Halo Flight has signed a purchase agreement for a Bell 407GXi with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) kit to add to its existing Bell aircraft fleet.

Erickson has announced a new production line of the S-64 Air Crane helicopter introducing the S-64F+ to the market.

Rainier Heli International signed a Memorandum Agreement (MOA) with Kopter for five firm and five SH09 options in March 2018. The company has decided to expand their existing SH09 options to a total of ten SH09 options.

The Botswana Air Support ordered three Enstrom 480B helicopters, for delivery in the spring of 2020.

In 2021 the Heli-Expo will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana from 22 till 25 March (exhibit floor open March 23–25).

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