ZHUHAI, China — SKYCO International Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. has signed a new contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of six additional H175 helicopters, reinforcing their ongoing partnership and expanding their footprint in China’s offshore energy market.
The agreement, signed on July 18, 2025, builds on SKYCO’s initial order of six H175s placed in early 2024 for Guangdong’s emergency management and public service needs. The new batch of helicopters will be leased to and operated by China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited (CSAGA), one of the country’s leading helicopter service providers.
This latest order highlights the deepening cooperation between Airbus Helicopters and Guangdong Province, as both parties aim to advance the regional general aviation industry and support the development of China’s low-altitude economy.
Boost to China’s Offshore Energy Operations
All six newly ordered H175s will be configured for offshore transport operations, directly supporting China’s expanding offshore energy sector. With CSAGA managing the fleet, the aircraft will play a vital role in transporting crew and cargo to offshore platforms, especially in challenging sea conditions.
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“The H175 helicopter is a state-of-the-art product that performs a wide variety of helicopter missions around the world,” said Colin James, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in China. “We thank SKYCO for their continued trust, which reflects our joint commitment to fostering the development of the helicopter industry in Guangdong. The H175 will strongly enhance CSAGA’s operations with its unparalleled performance, efficiency, and reliability.”
A Proven Platform with Global Reach
Since entering service in 2014, the H175 has become a mainstay in the super-medium class of helicopters. It offers a unique combination of long-range capability, high payload, and superior flight comfort, making it ideal for offshore missions, search and rescue, disaster relief, and public service operations.
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To date, Airbus has delivered 71 H175 helicopters worldwide, which have collectively logged over 250,000 flight hours. The model continues to gain traction in both civil and parapublic sectors thanks to its advanced avionics, fuel efficiency, and mission flexibility.
The new deal further positions the H175 as a cornerstone in China’s offshore aviation strategy and signals continued confidence in Airbus Helicopters from key Chinese stakeholders.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
