There are only 15 of these special edition Aston Martin Airbus Helicopters in the world and one of them has come home to Australia.
Australian tech entrepreneur John-Paul Thorbjornsen (JP) has completed a 10,000-nautical mile journey across 21 countries in 41 days, to go pick up his newly purchased Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition helicopter.
JP who is Australia’s first owner of the bespoke Aston Martin aircraft Helicopter collected it from Airbus’ Oxford facility in the UK on 7 February before making 39 stops en route to Melbourne. JP is a rare customer according to Airbus due to his decision to fly it home himself rather than having it shipped over which is the usual protocol for customers.
Unveiling the sportscar-inspired ACH130 Aston Martin Edition for the first time in Australia, JP said that he set his sights on the seven-seater ACH130 as soon as it was introduced to him.
“I’ve always loved flying and was looking for a reliable and powerful helicopter that could safely fly my family and friends around,” said JP. “I was impressed by the performance and comfort of the ACH130. I am also convinced that this Aston Martin Edition is the most attractive private helicopter on the market, combining Airbus’ engineering excellence and Aston Martin’s craftsmanship.”
“What sets the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition apart from the rest is the intricate details and finest upholstery that created not just a well-appointed interior but an extremely smooth ride in the spacious cabin.”
JP’s journey was not without its challenges, he navigated changing weather elements and logistical obstacles. Nevertheless, the globetrotter has no regrets about crossing the world with the helicopter.
The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is a collaboration between, Airbus Corporate Helicopters and British sportscar maker Aston Martin that combined the luxurious touches and finishes expected from an Aston Martin with the engineering and know-how of aviation experience from Airbus.
Available in four colours with complementary interiors, the helicopters are embellished with Aston Martin signature elements, including the iconic Aston Martin wings logo, which are embossed onto luxury leather features throughout the cabin. The colour themes will be very familar to Aston Martin fans and include Stirling Green, Xenon Grey, Arizona and Ultramarine Black.
Inside, the automotive-inspired cabin which offers a higher level of comfort and is trimmed in Pure Black ultra-suede with a palette of selectable leathers comprising Oxford Tan, Pure Black, Cormorant and Ivory.
On the rear of the front seats, the same brogue detailing that is found in a DB11 runs down the centre of the seat and the doors have been trimmed with leather to provide passengers with comfortable touch points during their flight.
Two years after its launch, ACH has sold all 15 helicopters that were part of its initial production run and is committed to continuing production for this exclusive edition which has seen orders come from all across the world.
Keyword: Aussie flies the Aston Martin of Helicopters across the world