Lindsay Fox takes delivery of Australia’s first Airbus H160

By Andrew Curran.

The billionaire former truck driver and founder of logistics and supply chain entity Linfox Group has added an Airbus H160 to his stable of aircraft, officially taking delivery of the helicopter today, September 15.

Lindsay Fox says being the first to bring this aircraft into service in Australia “is a proud moment for our team”.

An entity linked to Fox, Fox Helicopters Pty Ltd, acquired and registered the H160 as VH-FOX (msn 1080) in May. According to Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) records, Fox Helicopters Pty Ltd is both the registered owner and operator of the aircraft.

Fox says the purchase is “a clear statement of our commitment to operating the most technologically advanced platform on the market”.

Airbus says its H160 is a multi-role helicopter that can undertake a wide range of missions. The H160 is certified for up to 12 passengers but Linfox has selected an eight-passenger configuration. Linfox says it will “support the business and corporate aviation requirements” of the company best known for its road and rail transport.

Another asset in Linfox's aviation interests

However, Lindsay Fox and his privately held company, which has grown to become the largest privately owned logistics business in the Asia-Pacific region, also have extensive aviation interests, including operating Avalon (AVV) and Essendon (MEB) Airports in Melbourne. Between them, the two airports handle more than 80,000 aircraft movements annually.

Fox Helicopters Pty Ltd is also the registered owner and operator of a Leonardo AW169 helicopter, while another Fox business entity, Fox Aircraft Services, owns a 50% stake in StarFlight Victoria Pty Ltd. That entity operates three AW139 helicopters for the Victoria Police Force. Those three helicopters are owned by Delaware trusts linked back to Lindsay Fox.

Another entity, Linfox Global Charter Pty Ltd, owns Lindsay Fox’s private jet, a Bombardier Global 6500 registered as VH-LEF (msn 60081), which is currently scooting around Europe but is based at Essendon Airport.

However, the H160, which was announced late last year, is Fox’s first purchase from Airbus and followed the aircraft manufacturer bringing the helicopter on a demonstration tour around Australia in 2025.

“The H160 joins (Linfox’s) fleet as the world’s most technologically advanced medium twin-engine helicopter, exceptionally suited for Australia’s varied terrain,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters.

A step up from previous generation helicopters

Factoring in customisation and VIP inclusions, an H160 can sell for up to USD22 million, chump change to Fox, who, according to the latest rich lists, is worth around AUD5.75 billion (USD4.1 billion).

For his money, he gets a lighter, more fuel-efficient helicopter compared to previous-generation engines in its class. It can also fly further and carry a slightly larger payload than its previous-generation peers, has vastly improved situational awareness and a significantly lightened workload for pilots. The H160 is also quieter than previous-generation helicopters and can operate on fuel blends containing up to 50% SAF.

Airbus says that while this is Australia’s first H160 helicopter, it has sold 70 of the type worldwide.

VH-FOX was prepared for its entry into service locally by Queensland’s Pacific Crown Helicopters, a Part 145-certified maintenance organisation operating out of Maroochydore/Sunshine Coast Airport.

Photo: Ned Dawson/Airbus.
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com