Melbourne-based Microflite Aviation has taken delivery of its third five-bladed Airbus H145, bringing the operator’s total Airbus fleet to 21 helicopters.
The addition reinforces Microflite’s position as Airbus Helicopters’ largest civil customer in Australia and the country’s first H145 operator.
The new aircraft joins a mixed fleet that includes single-engine H120, H125 and H130 helicopters, along with twin-engine H135 and H145 types. It will support an expanding mission profile that now includes military training in addition to commercial utility, fire observation and rescue operations.
“As a young and dynamic aviation company with a strong vision to lead excellence in aviation, we have a combined fleet of 26 aircraft across rotary and fixed wing, conducting passenger, aerial work, and emergency services operation, and the H145 has proven to be an exceptional workhorse for our multi-mission operations,” said Rodney Higgins, Microflite’s Chief Executive.
“With this third five-bladed H145 now officially joining the fleet, we look forward to seeing the positive impact these versatile helicopters will continue to make across our commercial and training operations.”
The five-bladed D3 variant offers a performance increase over earlier models, providing an additional 150 kg of useful load. Airbus says the improvement delivers one of the strongest useful load to maximum take-off weight ratios in the light twin-engine utility class, a key consideration for emergency medical service operations.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and featuring a large cabin, the H145 is widely used in Australia for time-critical missions, particularly in challenging terrain.
Airbus Helicopters Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Christian Venzal, said the delivery reflects a long-standing partnership between the two organisations.
“We deeply value our partnership with Microflite. As an Airbus-appointed maintenance and pilot training centre, their continued trust in the H145 speaks volumes about its reliability. We look forward to seeing this aircraft support their expanding operations, from type-rated training to border surveillance, fire management, and utility missions,” Mr Venzal said.
“The H145 is designed around safety for crews in demanding conditions. This delivery endorses our commitment to supporting Microflite with proven technology, empowering them to deliver world-class training and safe outcomes for the communities they serve,” he added.
Globally, more than 1,750 H145 family helicopters are in service across public service, law enforcement and emergency medical missions, with the fleet accumulating more than eight million flight hours.
The H145 features a modern cockpit with advanced human machine interface design, a Fenestron anti-torque tail rotor system and the Helionix avionics suite. Airbus says the aircraft delivers the lowest CO2 emissions in its class and sets a benchmark for external sound levels.
The Helionix system integrates with the aircraft’s flight control systems to provide envelope protection, pilot assistance and advanced alerting functions, designed to enhance situational awareness and meet current international avionics standards.
Microflite now operates 26 aircraft across rotary and fixed wing categories.