Aerospace

Swiss Air-Rescue Service Rega orders 12 additional five-bladed H145 Helicopters

The Swiss Air-Rescue Service A second order for 12 H145 helicopters.

The Swiss Air-Rescue Service A second order for 12 H145 helicopters with five blades has been placed by Rega for use from its mountain bases. They will swap out the current AW109SP helicopter fleet. Following the initial contract for nine H145s, which was made public in March of this year. By 2026, Rega will operate an all-Airbus fleet consisting of 21 five-bladed H145s.

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The five-bladed H145s will come equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, especially tailored to the operator’s needs that will enhance the mission capabilities and the safety of operations. The system will use new capabilities of the Flight Management System GTN750 Xi by Garmin. It will integrate and control a multi-sensor system that provides highly accurate and reliable navigation capacities.

Even in the event of GPS signal loss, the helicopter will navigate safely thanks to Thales’ inertial navigation system. This solution will further boost the navigation performance in low IFR conditions and allows the helicopter to be certified as navigation procedure RNP-AR 0.1, which is the most accurate navigation procedure in the helicopter environment. The configuration also includes a new hoist by Vincorion that is being certified on the five-bladed H145, ensuring highest safety standards.

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The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission aircraft, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design also eases maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.

In total, there are more than 1,600 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than seven million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.