Airbus Unveils Luxury $14 million Helicopter

The luxury airspace has been elevated to a whole new level as Airbus announces it is creating an upscale version of its H160 helicopter.

The ACH160 starts at about US$14 million for business and private use and is the premium version of the new H160 helicopter that was certified by EASA on July 1.

Customisable elements of the latest elite model include seating, with options such as bench-style and individual seats, or a mix of both, for up to 10 passengers.

One can customise the seating, with options such as bench-style and individual seats, or a mix of both

It also holds the title of the most technologically advanced helicopter in its class and offers a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to the Helionix advanced digital avionics system. Its sophisticated interior also features leather, wooden veneers and a handmade carpet.

Other pioneering functions include a maximum cruising speed to 155 knots, or 129 km/h and a range of 852 km. It also has a capacity to fly for 4.5 hours. With deliveries to private and business customers starting later this year, Autobus has already received orders from Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and Latin and North America.

A private client in Italy is the latest to place an order for a bespoke six-seater model, according to Airbus.

Asians Most Confident to Restart Travel

Asian travellers are slated to kick-start travel ahead of those from Western countries, a study has revealed.

The global survey – Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus World – conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata and language partner Language Connect quizzed 10,195 people from across 17 countries about travel in a post-Covid-19 world.

As part of the analysis, countries were given a travel confidence score calculated through two indicators. These are how comfortable a person is to travel internationally in the next 12 months and how well-prepared they feel about their country reopening its tourism and leisure activities.

Thailand and India topped the table with a joint score of 76. Asian countries dominated the list of destinations that rated above the global average of 61. This includes China (69), Indonesia (65), and Singapore (64). France, Germany and Denmark also ranked higher than the global average.

Japan ranked the most cautious country, scoring 40. This is followed by the Philippines (43), and Hong Kong (50). Other countries that scored below the average include Sweden, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the US.

Saurabh Sardana, Blackbox Research COO, said the scores take in various considerations, including the importance of tourism towards the economy, national management of Covid-19 and past experiences of previous pandemics.

For example, while New Zealand has achieved low cases and good management, it has taken a more cautious approach towards international travel.

Sardana added: “With a significant part of Asia having experienced similar epidemics, it is not surprising that Asian travellers would be more resilient and optimistic about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”

In terms of desire for international travel in the short-term, 32 percent of Japanese said long-term trips are off the agenda for now. This was followed by the Philippines (42 percent), New Zealand (43 percent) and Australia (52 percent).

The study also revealed contactless travel will be the new norm. A total of 76 percent of those surveyed said they would opt for travel destinations offering reliable contactless experiences. A further 66 percent said they prefer private travel during transfers, including cars, and chartering private helicopters and planes.

E-boarding passes were desired by 44 percent of respondents, 43 percent want touchless toilets, 40 percent said they want contactless journeys from airports to hotels and 35 percent want digital health passports to be introduced.

The New Way To Travel During Pandemic: Private Helicopters

A global pandemic is something the travel industry could never foresee when stepping into 2020, and it's hit the industry tremendously. Travelling will never be the same again. While no one really knows when COVID would come to an end, the travel industry is getting ready to forgo the old ways and adapt in the post-pandemic era.

While avid travelers long to travel and explore the world, it’s unsurprising that they’d be highly concerned with hygiene due to the pandemic. And this is precisely where helicopter charters come in.

Unlike mainstream transportations, private helicopters have a much smaller passenger capacity and better ventilation facilities, making it a top choice for those who travel during the pandemic. Reports highlight the risk of exposure to bacterias and viruses in closed or crowded settings like ships, trains, and buses. For instance, the Diamond Princess cruise ship's outbreak showed that close confines caused the virus to spread in haywire. Traveling with private helicopters can indeed give travelers a peace of mind during the time of the pandemic.

Getting to far-flung yet unusual destinations via private helicopters is an ultra-exclusive experience. Not only does it provide the flexibility of point to point travel, but its top-knotch facilities also offer the most pleasurable journey. The cabin itself is like a luxurious suite in the sky, adorned with leather reclining swivel chairs and top-quality sound systems to provide the utmost comfort to travelers.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to truly get away from it all in the face of a pandemic, but you can get to off-the-beaten-track destinations easily with private helicopters. Whether it’s a lush tropical hideaway in the Caribbean Ocean, a secluded golf resort off the coast, or a 5-star hotel in the heart of a vibrant city, it’s so much easier to access these destinations with private helicopters. The best part is that you get to personalize your travel experience to have the best time!

Nobody likes to waste time waiting in line or deal with flight delays. Private helicopter rental offers the additional benefit of access to private terminals for faster security check-ins, making your travel experience a breeze. Meanwhile, they also handle all aspects of your custom tour, including taking you on an adventure full of the best tourist hotspots and hidden gems only locals would know, so you could relax and enjoy every moment on your trip.

While the pandemic seems to be staying for a while, as restless travelers we’re all for traveling with private helicopters to reach our next destination!