20 August 2020: US Customs and Border Protection (CPB) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and Airbus Helicopters have reinforced their three decade old partnership with the latest state-of-art H125 helicopter uniquely configured for AMO as a part of their long-term fleet upgrade initiative. Airbus put in place nearly 30 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) to meet the AMO requirements using the latest aerospace technology. The H125 is the one of the most advanced, high-tech law enforcement helicopters ever developed. Recently Airbus delivered first of the 16 new fleet of helicopters developed from Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. The remaining 15 helicopters are being built at Columbus, Miss.
On receiving the latest H125 Steve Boyer, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for AMO said, “Our mission is to safeguard the nation by anticipating and confronting security threats. Airbus Helicopters’ continued commitment to designing, manufacturing, and delivering quality products will enable AMO personnel to successfully and safely carry out this mission.”
This new acquisition was made possible through a partnership with Davenport Aviation, an SBA-certified woman-owned small business and HUBZone contractor specializing in the supply of aerospace equipment to federal, state and local government agencies.
“We are honoured to partner with Airbus Helicopters and US Customs and Border Protection to support this fleet upgrade for enhanced law enforcement capabilities through the procurement of 16 new H125 helicopters from our GSA contract,” said Leah Simoes, Owner and Chairwoman of Davenport Aviation. “Throughout this project, we have been very appreciative of the support we have received from Airbus and CBP of our WOSB, HUBZone Certified small business.”
Featuring dual hydraulics, dual channel engine FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays, the H125 is the single most popular law enforcement helicopter in the US, accounting for nearly half of all helicopters delivered for that mission in North America over the last decade. During the three decade old relation between AMO and Airbus Helicopter, Airbus has delivered over 100 helicopters from the H120 and H125 family.
