- 20 Apr 2022
- Patrick Ryan
- GA Buyer Europe
A member of the successful AS 350 family from Airbus Helicopters, the Airbus H130 combines the family’s well-known qualities in the single-engine, multirole turbine helicopter market with a capacity that holds appeal for many VIP and corporate operators.
Early model Airbus H130s (produced as the Eurocopter EC-130T2) cost between $1.0m for a 2002 model up to $2.1m for a 2015 model, per Aircraft Bluebook’s spring 2021 data. By comparison, a 2016 model Airbus H130 shows an average retail price of $2.5m. Individual H130s have a number of aircraft-specific factors that determine their value on the market, including their maintenance condition, any modifications and upgrades that may have been made, and time remaining on the airframe and engine before the next major overhaul or inspection is due. These, and other factors are usually the basis for price negation between buyers and sellers.
There are a number of single-engine turbine helicopter options operators could consider alongside the Airbus H130, depending on their space and range needs. These include the slightly smaller Airbus H125.
The Airbus H130 is likely to appeal to customers on a number of levels, including those seeking comfort (thanks to the aircraft’s active vibration control system, and exceptionally low sound level). That’s thanks to its shrouded tail rotor and auto-variable speed, which provide for subdued approaches and landings. Additionally, the aircraft boasts built-in safety features such as the Fenestron tail rotor, fully-compliant crash-resistant fuel system (CRFS) – also now available in serial production & retrofit on AS350 platforms – and seat and structure (CRSS). An, ‘Aston Martin Edition’ of the Airbus H130 was launched at the beginning of 2020, and quickly secured customers among a range of operators, including private customers in Canada, New Zealand, Germany, the UK, Philippines and Guatemala.
The Airbus H130 shares the same dynamic components as the AS350B-3e (and Airbus H125) but offers a wider, modernized cabin.
Airbus H130 Helicopter Overview
By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews
The H130 is today a core part of the Airbus Corporate Helicopter (ACH) range, and, according to JETNET data near the end of 2020, almost 300 units had been produced by Airbus.
While the helicopter can hold as many as seven passengers plus the pilot, in the VIP/corporate role it usually accommodates up to six in the highest levels of comfort. The H130 offers a range of 347nm.
What features does the Airbus H130 offer?
The Airbus H130 features an Arriel 2D engine, providing up to 95 shp at take-off. The model has a range of striking interior options available from Airbus, with up to six forward-facing seats and luxurious cabin accents.
The H130 was designed to offer the best comfort, and to maximize the external view for occupants. Ceiling-to-floor cockpit windows fill the cabin with natural light, for example.
What came before and after the Airbus H130?
The Airbus H130 – formerly known as the EC-130T2 – is a member of the famous AS 350 family, manufactured for decades by Eurocopter and now a core component of Airbus Helicopters.
The family’s pedigree stretches back to the AS 350B, which was itself followed by the AS 350B-1, the AS 350B-2, the AS 350B-3 and the AS 350B-3e. The H130 shares the same dynamic components as the AS350B-3e, but offers a wider, modernized cabin.
Today, the Airbus H130 is joined by the H125 (also derived from the AS 350B family), a smaller helicopter that has also been a significant success in the VIP/corporate market.
Read More:
With over 25 years of trading, AvBuyer is the primary marketplace for turbine helicopters offering the best new and pre-owned turbine helicopters for sale.