Mavi Air, the new start-up company of Turkish aviation founded by Alex Sahni, has signed a contract with Airbus Corporate Helicopters to purchase 6 ACH130s (4 firm orders and 2 optional) during the Istanbul Airshow.

Mavi Air will use the ACH130 helicopters to provide short flights between airports and selected hotels and sightseeing flights. The ACH130s will join the only operational H130 already in Mavi Air's fleet and help boost the company's operations in the Istanbul region. The company is scheduled to start shuttle services on October 9, 2022, using the H130. The shuttle services begin this month using the H130.

Mavi Air founder Alex Sahni said, "The sharp increase in inbound tourism indicates that a helicopter service will bring real added value to Türkiye's ambitious growth plans. Our shuttle services will start from Istanbul, and we will expand our operations to numerous destinations in Türkiye with the delivery of our new helicopters. The ACH130 will meet the demanding requirements of our customers by offering a safe, quiet and comfortable flight experience. In the future, we aim to implement green technologies such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and electric propulsion as they become available for commercial operations."

Airbus Helicopters' Head of Zone for Turkey & Caucasus adds, "We are delighted that Mavi Air has chosen the ACH130 to grow its on-demand shuttle service. The infrastructure and the business model that Mavi Air has created could pave the way for future Urban Air Mobility operations in Türkiye."

The flexible, multi-purpose rotary wing ACH130 is an intermediate single-engine helicopter tailored specifically for passenger transport, sightseeing, and VIP duties. Thanks to its spacious cabin, it can carry 1 pilot and up to 6 passengers.

Thanks to Airbus' Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control, the ACH130 is 6 dB below international ICAO limits, making it the quietest helicopter on the market in its category.