KATHMANDU: Nepali operators have reached a significant milestone with the Airbus Helicopters’ H125 in the Himalayan nation.

Seven operators have collectively achieved 50,000 flying hours with an overall fleet of 15 H125, as per a media release.

This important milestone was celebrated in a ceremony held at Rotorcraft Asia which brought together senior Airbus Helicopters management from the region and a delegation of Nepali operators.

Each operator received a small token of appreciation from Philippe Monteux, senior vice president and head of South East Asia and Pacific region.

The seven operators — Nepali Army, Shree Airlines, Simrik Air, Fishtail Air, Air Dynasty, Heli Everest, Mountain Helicopters, Altitude Air and Manang Air — are accumulating more than 15,000 hours on their fleet of Airbus Helicopters on an annual basis.

The mission profile for the H125 in Nepal varies from passenger transport and emergency medical services (EMS) to load carrying. The missions require the H125 to be flown above 20,000 feet in hot conditions on a regular basis.