First Airbus H160 arrives in UK for JCB Excavators

The first H160 has been delivered to the UK, the fourth civil market delivery to date from the production line in Marignane, France, and the second H160 this year.  The aircraft arrived at Oxford Airport on Saturday 28th January.

The helicopter is in the colours of the global brand JCB Excavators, and is one of two they have on order to replace their current Sikorsky S76C++ helicopters.  JCB have operated S76s since 1996, but their corporate flight department’s use of helicopters goes back to their purchase of an AB206 JetRanger in April 1978.

They also operated one of the first Bell 206L3s before moving on to Agusta A109 Mk.IIs for a limited period.

The H160 is currently at the Airbus Helicopters UK facility at Oxford, and will likely spend a good deal of time there as the JCB corporate flight department, and Airbus Helicopters UK, gain experience on the type.  They are expected to move later to East Midlands Airport, where they also base a Bombardier Global 7500 jet.

Image courtesy of HeliHub.com