Fleet renewal
Since Armenian Helicopters operates helicopters of various types and manufacturers, this brings higher inventory costs and logistical challenges, plus complicates training of both ground and air crews. “We currently operate one Robinson R66 (registration EK-H001) and two Airbus H125s (EK-H003 and EK-H004),” Manukyan said. “Our five employed pilots fly approximately 300 to 400 flight hours per year with the fleet. We also own one Airbus H130 (EK-H002). Until recently, this airframe was on dry lease to Turkey.
“Our main issue is the small market and the flight types which we can provide to our customers. There are some flights that we can do only by R66. There are some flights that we can do only by our two H125s. That’s why we use different types of helicopters. Also, the terrain of Armenia does dictate the types of helicopters that we can use. For example, the R66 is used mostly for sightseeing tours. The H125s are mostly used for special operation flights, charter flights, or international flights since they are our most stable and powerful helicopters.”
Armenian Helicopters’ fleet will be supplemented in the near future with aircraft produced by the British company Hill Helicopters, Manukyan said.
Mischa Gelb, ambassador for Hill Helicopters, expects his company to deliver the three-bladed, single-engine turbine helicopters with five seats as early as 2027. “The Hill HX50 serves private owners while the HC50 does focus on commercial users,” Gelb said. “The sole difference between the helicopters is the certification process. The HX50 involves the owner in the build of the aircraft at the factory for 10 days. This allows it to be in the amateur-built category, meaning it can come to the market much quicker and at a lower cost. Therefore, the HX50 is ideal for private and corporate use. The HC50 goes through the normal certification process, which takes longer and is more costly. Since it will be fully certified, it can be used in a business to charge people and fly for hire.”
Until then, operating a unique business remains a challenge for Manukyan and his team. Time will tell which paths are viable to remain profitable and operationally deployable.
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Hundred of successful missions reported
Armenian Helicopters’ fleet will be supplemented in the near future with aircraft produced by the British company Hill Helicopters, Manukyan said. [Rendering: Hill Helicopters]
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