Helitrans of Norway has become the first customer to take delivery of new helicopters using Airbus’s e-Delivery process, which enables deliveries while ensuring compliance with Covid-19 health and safety restrictions.
Trondheim-based Helitrans formally accepted two additional H125s into its fleet following a series of procedures that allowed all the requirements of the normal process to be met without the need for physical meetings or travel. The system relies on the customer accepting flight-test and inspection findings conducted by authorised Airbus staff instead of having their own employees perform those tasks.
Key elements of the process include an expanded test flight, including the customer acceptance tests, a video inspection of the helicopter and loose object check, disinfection of all items, and the aircraft documentation verification.
The summary information was presented to Helitrans via an online video conference with representatives of Airbus Helicopters and authorised dealer, Østnes, which enabled the formal transfer of title to take place. The helicopters were then transported by road to Norway to be received by the customer at Trondheim.
Airbus Helicopters’ EVP of global business, Ben Bridge said, “We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by our customers in the current difficult environment and we are doing all we can to support them – including maintaining scheduled deliveries. At the same time the health and safety of our employees is our number one priority. Fortunately we have built a level of trust with key customers over the years that has made this innovative process possible.”
Helitrans’ managing director, Richard Andre Simonsen added, “Even at this difficult time there are critical business activities that we need to undertake, and we appreciate the support of everyone involved in making this delivery happen in a safe manner. It is a reflection of our confidence in each other that we are able to do this.”
