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Helitrans accepts Airbus helicopters under e-delivery
June 3, 2020 By Wings Staff
Helitrans of Norway took delivery of two Airbus H125 helicopters through a new electronic process under COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo: Airbus)
Helitrans of Trondheim, Norway, is the first customer to take delivery of new Airbus helicopters using the aircraft maker’s e-delivery process, which it devised to enable deliveries under COVID-19 health and safety restrictions.
Airbus explains Helitrans formally accepted the latest two H125s into its fleet following a series of actions that allowed all the requirements of the normal process to be met without the need for physical meetings or travel.
“Even at this difficult time there are critical business activities that we need to undertake and we appreciate the support of everyone involved in making this delivery happen in a safe manner,” said Andre Simonsen, managing director, Helitrans. “It is a reflection of our confidence in each other that we are able to do this.”
The Airbus e-delivery system relies on the customer accepting flight-test and inspection findings conducted by authorized Airbus staff in place of their own employees who usually perform those tasks. Airbus explains key elements include an expanded test flight including the customer acceptance tests, a video inspection of the helicopter and loose object check, disinfection of all items, and the aircraft documentation verification.
The summary information was presented via an online video conference with representatives of Airbus Helicopters, authorized dealer Østnes and Helitrans, which enabled the formal transfer of title to take place. The helicopters were then transported by road to Norway to be received by the customer at Trondheim.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by our customers in the current difficult environment and we are doing all we can to support them, including maintaining scheduled deliveries,” said Ben Bridge, executive vice president, Airbus Helicopters. “At the same time, the health and safety of our employees is our number one priority. Fortunately, we have built a level of trust with key customers over the years that has made this innovative process possible.”
