Bruno Even, CEO of the company, commented: “Our order intake in 2024, showing a nearly 10% increase in units for the second consecutive year, highlights stable growth in a challenging global market. We thank our customers for their continued trust in Airbus Helicopters.”
The Super Puma programme performed strongly across both civil and military sectors, securing 58 orders from key customers including the German Bundespolizei, Japan Coast Guard, Netherlands Ministry of Defence, and Romania’s Ministry of National Defence. Additionally, the company introduced a major upgrade for the NH90, with the Block 1 version and the beginning of flight testing for France’s Special Forces Standard 2 configuration. The H145 and H145M saw numerous new defence and security customers, including the Brunei Air Force and the Belgian Ministry of Defence.
“Defence and security is a strategic priority for Airbus Helicopters,” added Even. “In 2024, we supported customers with helicopters deployed in critical missions, such as disaster relief efforts by the U.S. National Guard and flood management in Spain.”
Key innovations in 2024 included the first flight of the Racer compound helicopter, surpassing 407 km/h in just seven flights, and the maiden flight of CityAirbus NextGen. In the civil and parapublic market, the H175 completed de-icing flight tests in Canada and Norway, while the H160 continued to enter service globally with over 30 units now operational.
The company also celebrated important milestones, including 40 years of operation in Fort Erie, Canada, and the opening of a new facility in Oxford, UK. Airbus Helicopters plans to expand its footprint further with an H125 final assembly line in India in partnership with TATA.
Airbus Helicopters has also increased its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in development test flights, reaching nearly 20% SAF usage at its facilities in Marignane, Albacete, and Donauwörth.
Airbus’ full-year financial results for 2024 will be disclosed on 20 February 2025.
