24 April, 2019: China's State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC) has received a heavy twin-engine Airbus H215 helicopter and has become the launch customer for the H215 in China.
SGGAC perform aerial maintenance and construction work along China's network of high and very high voltage power lines.
The H215 will join the SGGAC's existing fleet of 15 Airbus helicopters which includes H125s, an H120 and an H225. This new helicopter will allow SGGAC to perform new missions such as cable repair, cargo transportation, cable laying and power line pylons constructions in difficult-to-reach areas.
The helicopter is fitted with a 4.5-ton cargo sling, weather radar, hoists, and a wire-strike protection system. It also has 17 comfortable seats and is fitted with oxygen jackets for high altitude missions.
Chairman of SGGAC, Wu Jielong said, "Our cooperation with Airbus Helicopters since 2012 has been a true success. Thanks to the H215's outstanding performance in high and hot conditions coupled with strong support and services from Airbus Helicopters, we are confident that we will continue to develop our capabilities performing new utility missions."
"It's an honour to see SGGAC becoming the first operator of the H215 in China," said General Manager of Airbus Helicopters China, Marie-Agnes Veve. "This achievement reinforces the long-term and strategic cooperation we have developed with the company, which also became a certified Airbus Helicopters' maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in China in 2018."