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  • A F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, April 3, 2026. Nimitz is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2026 which seeks to enhance capability, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships with countries throughout the region through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jaron Wills)
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    An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury, March 30, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo)
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  • Hanoi, Vietnam, 7 April 2026 – The Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH)’s subsidiaries, Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH North), have placed an order for three Airbus H225 helicopters, to support the continued expansion of its offshore energy operations, and progressively replace ageing aircraft in its fleet.

    This latest order reinforces a trusted partnership between VNH and Airbus Helicopters that has spanned more than 40 years, and reflects the Vietnamese operator’s long-term strategy to modernise and strengthen its heavy helicopter capabilities.

    “The H225 has proven itself time and again across our offshore missions, delivering the reliability, performance, and safety we expect. As we look ahead, we see the H225 forming the backbone of our future fleet, allowing us to modernise our operations while expanding capacity and mission flexibility,” said Kieu Dang Hung, CEO of VNH.

    “We are honoured to continue supporting VNH and its subsidiaries as they strengthen and revitalise their fleet. Their decision to centre future operations around the H225 underscores the aircraft’s exceptional reliability and performance in demanding offshore environments,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Our enduring partnership with VNH is built on trust and shared commitment to mission success, and we look forward to supporting their growth for many decades to come,” he added.

    The new H225s will join VNH’s existing Airbus fleet consisting of Super Puma and H155 helicopters, for deployment across offshore energy transport, utility missions, search and rescue, and broader transport operations.

    As the latest addition to the Super Puma family, the H225 is recognised for its high performance in challenging conditions as well as its outstanding range and payload capacity. The aircraft’s state-of-the-art avionics and autopilot systems provide increased safety while reducing pilot workload.

    There are more than 360 H225s and H225Ms in service around the world, totaling more than one million flight hours. Military customers include Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand.
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    FIDAE – Santiago, Chile (April 7, 2026) Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at FIDAE 2026 that the Bell 505 has set a new record for the number of aircraft orders in Latin America in 2025. This achievement highlights the growing demand the region has seen for the Bell 505 and its multi-mission capabilities.

    “This milestone is a proud achievement for Bell, showcasing the trust we have with our customers and the exceptional efforts of our team,” said John Ramos, managing director, Latin America. “The Bell 505 has been a highly sought after aircraft in Latin America since its introduction to the market, and that really highlights how well it meets the needs of such a diverse region while also offering exceptional performance and adaptability.”

    In the Southern Cone, there are more Bell 505s in operation than any other area in Latin America, making Bell’s support network critical to the success of the Bell 505. Through a system of customer service and authorized maintenance facilities, Bell delivers reliable, around-the-clock support that builds trust and confidence. This infrastructure strengthens the ownership experience and distinguishes Bell, highlighting the Bell 505’s versatility while cultivating long-term customer relationships that lead to repeat sales, new sales and customer upgrades.

    The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014 and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017. There are now more than 600 Bell 505s operating in more than 66 countries on six continents, surpassing 300,000 total fleet flight hours. With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator and best-in-class cabin visibility. The customer-driven design of the aircraft places safety, performance and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design.
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