Offshore helicopter operator PHI Aviation has begun commercial operations off the Louisiana Coast for Shell with an Airbus H160.
It’s the first time the H160 has been involved in offshore commercial transport.
Back in 2020, the three companies – Airbus, PHI and Shell – began working on a new partnership.
Airbus provided PHI and Shell with one H160 in 2024 ahead of the final total of four deliveries for a route-proving programme that allowed both the operator and final customer to become familiar with the aircraft’s advanced technology and safety features, as well as place the aircraft into controlled operations to better understand the performance. Following the 300 hours of route-proving flights, PHI now counts 12 H160-type-rated pilots and 12 H160-qualified A&P mechanics among its ranks.
“This is a long anticipated milestone that will bring material advantages to our offshore operations in the Gulf of America,” said Tony Cramp, Shell’s Vice President Aircraft.
“The H160 represents a new generation of rotorcraft with the potential to enhance safety and passenger experience for our people, while giving our business greater operational capability and availability, driving business efficiencies. We look forward to seeing how it performs when in full regular service, with a view to replication in other regions.”
Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group, added, “This is the culmination of five-plus years of work and an even longer partnership between PHI, Shell and Airbus.
“The extensive, first-of-its-kind route-proving program allowed our teams to work closely with Shell and Airbus to fully evaluate and optimize the H160’s capabilities, train personnel and ensure certification and indoctrination into PHI’s operational and safety systems.”
The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class.
Capable of performing wide-ranging missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services, the H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, U.K., U.S. and many other European countries.
With the entry into service of the first North American H160 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) in 2026, located in the Helisim simulation centre in Grand Prairie, Texas, Airbus continues to support the H160’s growing success.
As the market demand continues to grow, Airbus is currently exploring options to locate future FFS in growth areas such as Brazil and Australia, among others.