Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

PHI Aviation has begun offshore helicopter operations for Shell on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast with an Airbus H160, the company announced Tuesday at Verticon. This represents the first H160 to conduct commercial offshore transportation missions, according to Airbus Helicopters, which partnered with PHI and Shell on a route-proving program for the helicopter model.&nbsp;
Commercial operations with PHI’s H160 off the Louisiana coast began on March 6 after 300 hours of route-proving flights. “This is the culmination of five-plus years of work and an even longer partnership between PHI, Shell, and Airbus,” said PHI Group CEO Scott McCarty.
“The extensive, first-of-its-kind route-proving program allowed our teams to work closely with Shell and Airbus to fully evaluate and optimize the H160’s capabilities, train personnel, and ensure certification and indoctrination into PHI’s operational and safety systems.”
PHI now employs 12 pilots with H160 type ratings, as well as 12 mechanics qualified to work on H160 airframes and powerplants.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Airbus H160 Helicopter Begins Offshore Operations in Louisiana

PHI Aviation launched commercial flights with the H160 on March 6

PHI Aviation has begun offshore helicopter operations for Shell on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast with an Airbus H160 helicopter.

Airbus H160 Helicopter Begins Offshore Ops in Louisiana

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Battery technology remains insufficient for electric program progress

Airbus Orders Climb, CityAirbus eVTOL Program Pausing

Curt Epstein

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

The developing advanced air mobility sector has seen consolidation of late.

Vertical Flight Society Assesses eVTOL Market Churn

Company has also launched a new rotorcraft leasing arm

THC, Rotortrade Fleets Expand; AAM on the Horizon

Dozen helicopters ordered by customers in Egypt, Alaska, and the UK

Leonardo Announces Helicopter Orders at Verticon 2025

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Fireflighting mission is ideal for large rotorcraft nearing the end of their useful lives

First Firefighting Sikorsky S-92 Unveiled at Verticon

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Verticon 2025

In this article

Airbus Helicopters

More In Rotorcraft

Airbus Orders Climb, CityAirbus eVTOL Program Pausing

Battery technology remains insufficient for electric program progress

Vertical Flight Society Assesses eVTOL Market Churn

The developing advanced air mobility sector has seen consolidation of late.

THC, Rotortrade Fleets Expand; AAM on the Horizon

Company has also launched a new rotorcraft leasing arm

Leonardo Announces Helicopter Orders at Verticon 2025

Dozen helicopters ordered by customers in Egypt, Alaska, and the UK

First Firefighting Sikorsky S-92 Unveiled at Verticon

Fireflighting mission is ideal for large rotorcraft nearing the end of their useful lives

Safran Designates Optimal Connectivity Providers

The engine maker unveiled a new label at Verticon

Indonesian Army Receives Six Modernized Bell 412EPs

Black Diamond Heliaero upgraded the helicopters with Basix Pro avionics

United Rotorcraft To Support Skyryse Modified Helos

Agreement expands maintenance coverage for SkyOS buyers

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