• The six H130s operate scheduled flights between Monaco and Nice.

• More than 15,000 passengers transported since start of operations in January.

Monacair has received the last H130 of a contract for six units signed in September 2015. Like the previous five aircraft, the new helicopter will join the regular scheduled flight service that Monacair has set up between Monaco Heliport and Nice International airport.

Monacair started this shuttle service in January this year after taking delivery of their first H130. Since then, 15,000 passengers have benefited from this pioneering service which allows reducing the travelling time between Monaco and Nice Airport to as little as seven minutes. With the entire fleet of six aircraft in service, delivered in only 5 months, Monacair will now be able to generate 40 rotations per day.

“Setting up this service- which is the world’s shortest regular line- was a real challenge but after almost six months I can say I am extremely satisfied with the helicopter” said Gilbert Schweitzer, managing director of Monacair. “Our customers are really appreciative of the helicopter’s level of comfort as well as the visibility which allows them to enjoy the views over the Côte d’Azur. Thanks to the cargo pod, we have also 20% extra cargo capacity for the luggage. Our customer’s positive feedback is the best proof that the H130 was the right choice.”

Specializing in private helicopter management, Monacair has valuable experience in terms of VIP transport and serves customers seeking both personalized and high-quality services. Based in Monaco, the operator manages a fleet of 20 helicopters, half of which are Airbus Helicopters. Thanks to the purchase of these six H130 light helicopters, Monacair now operates its own helicopter fleet.

“We are extremely happy to see that the H130 is living up to our customer’s expectations in ,terms of performance, availability and quality of flight experience”, said Frederic Lemos, Head of Private & Business Aviation Europe at Airbus Helicopters. “Monacair can count on Airbus Helicopters’ best support to keep the six H130 flying and offer a first-class service to all the passengers.”

The H130 comes from the Ecureuil family of light helicopters, renowned for its performance, reliability, safety and multi-mission capability. The helicopter accommodates one pilot and up to six passengers.

Airbus Helicopters press release