Airbus expects to maintain its 60 percent share of the Philippines' growing market for military and parapublic helicopters.
Airbus Helicopters Philippines Managing Director, Charlie Simpson made the announcement Tuesday, April 26, in a virtual briefing in advance of the Asian Defence & Security exhibition in Manila.
“Airbus has been serving operators in the Philippines for over 40 years, he noted. "Today, there are close to 90 Airbus helicopters flying in the country for a variety of civil, parapublic and military missions.”
In the last five years, Airbus delivered 60 percent of the country's helicopter orders and the company "expects to maintain its market share with a strong local team and excellent products to meet the country’s needs", Simpson reiterated.
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“Moving forward, we see the Philippines’ military and parapublic market stepping up over the next five to ten years, where future demand will be driven by fleet modernization, renewals, military training, search and rescue, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), internal security and maritime security," he predicted.
"This is where Airbus aircraft are already actively supporting the agencies for its operations.”
Demand will also to build up in the private and business aviation segment, according to Simpson.
In this market, he sees the company’s latest H160 "a perfect fit".
“The Philippines is an important market for Airbus Helicopters," the Managing Director underscored.
"As the only helicopter Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) with an in-country presence that is supported by a workforce that is almost 100 percent made up of local workforce, we remain fully committed to growing this footprint," he pointed out.
"We also see positive prospects across the various segments where we are confident that our extensive product portfolio will be able to address all needs,” Simpson added.
So far, the country's latest helicopter orders from Airbus include two H145 serving the needs of the Philippine Coast Guard for search and rescue, and maritime safety, while a fleet of H125 has been supporting the Philippine National Police in aerial law enforcement since 2019.
Beyond the parapublic market, Simpson underscored the company’s success in the private and business aviation, and commercial charter segment where Airbus is leading the market for single and twin-engine helicopters.
The company also scored its first ACH160 order in Southeast Asia when a new private customer purchased an exclusive edition of the premium corporate helicopter for private and business flights within the Philippine archipelago.
“Our customers’ operations are well supported by a strong in-country team, providing operators full sales, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and technical support in close proximity to customers,” the executive explained.