Robinson Unveils R88 - Its Largest Ever Helicopter, and More

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Robinson Expands Portfolio with Utility-Focused R88 Helicopter

Robinson Helicopter Company has unveiled the R88, its largest and most capable rotorcraft to date. The company will start taking deposits on March 11 at Verticon 2025 in Dallas.

The new $3.3 million single-engine turbine helicopter marks Robinson's first all-new design in nearly 15 years and represents a significant expansion beyond the company's traditional light helicopter market.

Designed with a highly configurable cabin and powered by a 1,000-shp Safran Arriel 2W turboshaft, the R88 aims to deliver superior capabilities at a competitive price point compared to larger single and twin-engine competitors.

Key Points

• Accommodates up to 10 people (8 passengers plus 2 crew) with a substantial 275-cubic-foot cabin

• Offers 2,800+ pound internal payload capacity with 350+ nautical mile range and 3.5+ hour endurance

• Equipped with Garmin avionics suite including G500H TXi displays and four-axis autopilot

• Targeting multiple markets, including air medical, utility work, aerial firefighting, and passenger transport

• First flight expected in early 2026 with certification and service entry projected by decade's end

What It Means

The R88 represents Robinson's strategic move into the competitive single-engine utility market while undercutting twin-engine alternatives on operating costs.

This positions the company to challenge established players like the Leonardo AW09 and Airbus H125 with a competitive versatile platform at a lower price point.

By emphasizing configurability and affordability, Robinson is directly responding to long-standing customer demands for a "pickup truck" helicopter for utility operations.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Emirates Flights Now Fully Integrated with Expedia's Booking Platform

Emirates and Expedia Group have expanded their partnership through full integration of Emirates' NDC API with Expedia's platforms.

This allows travelers to access Emirates' complete portfolio of fares and services, including extra baggage and seat selection.

The collaboration will explore loyalty program enhancements, leverage market data for joint marketing, and create end-to-end booking experiences with air and hotel packages.

3. Streamlined Airport Journey Unveiled by Alaska Airlines at SXSW

Alaska Airlines unveiled its "Lobby of the Future" vision at SXSW 2025 yesterday.

Product Director Kristin Olsen presented a streamlined, high-tech check-in experience designed to eliminate lines and reduce lobby time to five minutes or less.

The system uses digital identity technology that will extend to lounges, creating a seamless airport journey.

It's part of Alaska's broader effort to transform the entire travel experience, aiming for a 30-minute curb-to-gate process with improved TSA screening integration.

4. Singapore Becomes First Asia-Pacific Member of Airbus Corporate Jets Service Network

Jet Aviation Singapore became the third facility to join the Airbus Corporate Jets Service Center Network on March 7, 2025.

As the only member in Asia-Pacific, the facility can now perform authorized maintenance, refurbishment, warranty work, modifications, and software upgrades for ACJ 318/319/320/321 series aircraft.

This expansion builds on Jet Aviation's existing partnership with ACJ, which already includes facilities in Basel and Dubai, enhancing service options for Airbus customers across Asia.

5. SmartJets Sets Aircraft Sale Speed Record

SmartJets completed the sale of a Dassault Falcon 2000 in just 27 days, including pre-purchase inspection, setting a record transaction time.

The Fort Lauderdale-based aircraft dealer-broker closed the deal before year-end 2024, securing optimal bonus depreciation terms.

Their success stems from having a full-time Director of Maintenance, 30,000 square feet of on-site inspection facilities, and Florida's favorable "fly-away state" regulatory environment.

6. US Aviation Academy Modernizes Fleet with Tecnam Training Aircraft

US Aviation Academy is expanding its fleet with 38 new Tecnam aircraft, including single-engine P2010s and twin-engine P2006T MKIIs.

The deal, announced last week, includes options for 52 additional aircraft through 2027. Deliveries will continue until Q1 2026.

This investment supports the Texas-based academy's training programs, which serve 1,500 students across multiple bases with pathways to major airlines like Delta, United, and Southwest.

The academy currently operates approximately 175 aircraft.

7. Lockheed Martin Subsidiary Sikorsky Validates New VTOL Aircraft Design

Sikorsky announced today that its 115-pound "rotor blown wing" UAS has successfully completed 40 flights, including 30 transitions between helicopter and airplane modes.

The battery-powered prototype with twin prop-rotors and 10.3-foot wingspan reached 86 knots in horizontal flight.

Developed by Sikorsky Innovations, the aircraft uses MATRIX autonomy system and new control laws to enable stable transitions.

The design could be scaled for search and rescue, firefighting, surveillance, and military applications with future variants using hybrid-electric propulsion.

8. FAA Approves Performance Boost for King Air 350i and 360 Fleet

Blackhawk Aerospace received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate approval for its XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on King Air 350i and 360 aircraft equipped with Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics.

The upgrade replaces stock engines with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engines delivering 1,050 SHP at higher altitudes, paired with 5-blade composite MT propellers.

This combination improves climb performance, increases cruise speeds by 40-50 knots, and enhances overall aircraft efficiency while maintaining compatibility with all Pro Line Fusion software phases.

9. Major Consolidation in Helicopter Leasing as SMFL Acquires Macquarie Unit

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing announced today that its joint venture, SMFL LCI Helicopters, will acquire Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited, the UK-based helicopter leasing business of Macquarie Asset Management.

The deal, reportedly valued at over $1 billion, will expand their combined fleet to approximately 310 aircraft from Macquarie's current 120.

The newly merged operation will be managed by LCI Investment, part of Libra Group.

The acquisition is expected to complete by the end of June, strengthening their position in the growing helicopter leasing market.

10. Russian Airline S7 Redirects Engine Parts Production to Siberian Facility

S7 Airlines has halted its planned aircraft maintenance center in St. Petersburg, with a 7.5 billion ruble investment.

The company has instead shifted focus to its Berdsk Electromechanical Plant near Novosibirsk, which began manufacturing fan blades for its fleet in late 2024.

This strategic pivot addresses Western sanctions by developing domestic capabilities for maintaining S7's Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as S7 Group Chairman Evgeny Yelin warns that without engine overhaul capabilities, Russia's foreign aircraft fleet could disappear by 2030.