True to the promise they made in the final days of 2019, aerospace company Airbus and carmaker Aston Martin unveiled on Friday, January 3, the result of their first-ever collaboration, and probably the first joint product in a long series to come.
Called ACH130 Aston Martin Edition, this particular range of helicopters blends the Airbus mechanical features with the Aston Martin expertise in designing things not only for their cars, but also for yachts, planes and so on.
Based on the Airbus ACH130, this special helicopter range will be offered in four Aston touches, blending a unique exterior with a matching interior.
The two companies have already rolled out their first product, draped in Stirling Green. Three other exterior colors - Xenon Grey, Arizona, and Ultramarine Black – are available upon order. Inside, the choices are Oxford Tan, Pure Black, Cormorant and Ivory.
So, aside for the colors, what did Aston Martin bring to the project? In one word, luxury touches. And we’re not necessarily referring to the leather and stitching, but also to more subtle elements.
The front seats of the airplane, for instance, boast the same brogue detailing as the seats in the DB11, the Aston Martin wings are embossed onto luxury leather features throughout the cabin, and a plaque on the instrument panel shows the carmaker's logo, right beside that of Airbus and the name of the helicopter’s owner.
Airbus did not say how these minor touches of luxury will affect the price of the helicopter; it only said deliveries should begin in the first quarter of the year.
The ACH130 is one of six Airbus corporate models now in operation. It is powered by a single Safran Arriel 2D engine that develops 952 hp at takeoff, and can seat up to six people.
Airbus is presently the biggest player in this segment, as its helicopters (1,800 of them are now in use in 130 countries) make up for over 50 percent of the market.
Based on the Airbus ACH130, this special helicopter range will be offered in four Aston touches, blending a unique exterior with a matching interior.
The two companies have already rolled out their first product, draped in Stirling Green. Three other exterior colors - Xenon Grey, Arizona, and Ultramarine Black – are available upon order. Inside, the choices are Oxford Tan, Pure Black, Cormorant and Ivory.
So, aside for the colors, what did Aston Martin bring to the project? In one word, luxury touches. And we’re not necessarily referring to the leather and stitching, but also to more subtle elements.
The front seats of the airplane, for instance, boast the same brogue detailing as the seats in the DB11, the Aston Martin wings are embossed onto luxury leather features throughout the cabin, and a plaque on the instrument panel shows the carmaker's logo, right beside that of Airbus and the name of the helicopter’s owner.
Airbus did not say how these minor touches of luxury will affect the price of the helicopter; it only said deliveries should begin in the first quarter of the year.
The ACH130 is one of six Airbus corporate models now in operation. It is powered by a single Safran Arriel 2D engine that develops 952 hp at takeoff, and can seat up to six people.
Airbus is presently the biggest player in this segment, as its helicopters (1,800 of them are now in use in 130 countries) make up for over 50 percent of the market.