Airbus Helicopters has launched the H140 helicopter to bridge what it sees as a gap in its H135 and H145 light-twin family. Unveiling the new addition to its rotorcraft lineup yesterday at Verticon, the European manufacturer said the H140 will deliver more efficient mission flexibility when it enters service in 2028.

Aeromedical operators Global Medical Response (GMR), ADAC Luftrettung, and ÖAMTC Flugrettung are the launch customers for the new helicopter. During separate signing ceremonies on the show’s opening day, GMR secured an agreement for 15 H140s, while ADAC and ÖAMTC inked a joint agreement with Airbus for 10 H140s, three H135s, and one H145. Air Methods and STAT MedEvac also placed orders, the former for an unspecified number of H140s, 10 H125s, and 11 H135s, and the latter for three H140s. At press time, Air Methods booked firm orders for 12 and 24 options.

Nearly 15 years after the R66 received FAA certification, Robinson Helicopter has unveiled significant upgrades to its single-engine turbine helicopter. Now called the R66 NxG, the latest version adds an integrated Garmin avionics suite with autopilot, impact-resistant windshield, and new interior material and exterior paint scheme options.

Two R66 NxG models are on display at Robinson’s Verticon exhibit in Dallas, and buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels: Riviera, Southwood, and Palo Verde.

Enstrom Helicopter is unveiling two new trim levels—Elite and Signature—for its flagship 480B turbine-single helicopter this week at Verticon. Both versions include upgraded avionics with digital displays.

At the top of the line is the 480B Elite, which comes in a range of eye-catching paint schemes designed by famed airbrush artist Dean Loucks, featuring bold, clean patterns. Matching interior trims will be included to complement the exterior colors.

Rising demand for helicopters around the world has contributed to sustained growth at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) as the engine maker continues to grapple with supply-chain challenges stemming from the pandemic. The RTX business, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has been manufacturing helicopter propulsion systems for 60 years and has built around 20,000 helicopter engines that have amassed a combined total of 80 million flight hours.

Nico Chabee, v-p of marketing and sales for helicopters at P&WC, told AIN that shortages of pilots and mechanics, combined with lingering supply-chain woes, continue to constrain the industry as demand outpaces supply, creating hefty backlogs. “It’s a good problem to have,” he said. “Today we are growing at a pace where people would like us to grow even faster.”

The world’s first firefighting-configured Sikorsky S-92A made its public debut at the rotorcraft manufacturer’s booth this week at Verticon. Developed by S-92 lessor Milestone Aviation in cooperation with operator VIH Helicopters, it marks the first utility-configured S-92 available to the commercial market.

The program was launched last summer in British Columbia with the assistance of government wildfire management agencies.

The digital flip-through issue of AIN’s award-winning VAI Convention News is now available online It’s a great way to quickly scan the news from Verticon 2025, whether you’re in Dallas attending the show or watching from afar.