Japan’s first Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition takes flight with NOT A HOTEL

Japanese hospitality company NOT A HOTEL has taken delivery of the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition. This milestone marks the arrival of the very first premium helicopter of its type in Japan. A second ACH130 Aston Martin Edition has already been placed on order, underscoring NOT A HOTEL’s commitment to defining the future of elevated guest experiences in Japan. The aircraft will be integrated into NOT A HOTEL’s exclusive NOT A GARAGE mobility service, through which guests will be connected to destinations across Japan, providing a special experience that goes beyond mere transportation. “NOT A HOTEL has consistently proposed new lifestyles through its unique architecture. Our mobility service “NOT A GARAGE”, announced last July, received over 200 inquiries from the very first day of its announcement,” said Hiromune Eto, Co-CEO of NOT A HOTEL. “The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition fractional ownership slots have already completely sold out, demonstrating the high expectations of many customers. This helicopter is a fusion of Airbus’ technology and Aston Martin’s aesthetics, and connects NOT A HOTEL locations such as Nasu, Kita-Karuizawa, and Minakami within an hour, enabling seamless travel. By freeing guests from travel constraints, previously inaccessible locations become prime destinations. You, your friends and family can share the beautiful architecture of NOT A HOTEL and the dynamically changing, breathtaking scenery viewed from above. We are steadily working towards launching this new form of luxury, exceeding your expectations, in September.” “We are delighted to welcome NOT A HOTEL into the Airbus family with the delivery of Japan’s first ACH130 Aston Martin Edition,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director, Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “This milestone reflects the extraordinary appeal of a helicopter that marries Airbus engineering excellence with the iconic design language of Aston Martin. The ACH130’s innovative features and superior performance set a new standard for the industry in terms of safety, comfort, and efficiency. NOT A HOTEL’s vision for redefining luxury hospitality is perfectly aligned with the ACH130, ensuring an experience for its guests that is genuinely unforgettable from the ground up. We look forward to seeing more ACH130 Aston Martin Edition helicopters in Japan’s skies.” The distinctive and stylish ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is a special version of the ACH130 featuring a range of interior and exterior designs created by Aston Martin and applied by skilled craftspeople at Airbus Helicopters in the UK at Oxford which has captivated the imagination of helicopter owners who appreciate the thrill of piloting and the pleasure of driving luxury sports cars. Rotortrade completes Bell 429 transaction (PHOTO: Rotortrade) Rotortrade announced the successful acquisition and resale of a Bell 429 helicopter to Mercy Flight Inc., supporting the operator’s emergency medical services (EMS) operations in the United States. The 2013 aircraft was previously operated in Montana for private transportation missions, primarily serving high-net-worth individuals between Bozeman Airport and the Yellowstone Club area. The helicopter has now been acquired by Mercy Flight Inc., an independent, nonprofit U.S.-based EMS operator, and will undergo a full EMS retrofit at Summit Helicopters in Virginia before entering service in the Buffalo, New York region. Entry into operations is expected following an approximately six-month completion program. As part of the transaction process, representatives from Rotortrade and Mercy Flight jointly conducted a pre-purchase inspection in Bozeman, Montana, confirming the aircraft’s overall condition prior to transfer. Rotortrade subsequently ferried the helicopter to its FAA Part 145-certified MRO facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where the aircraft underwent inspection and technical preparation ahead of delivery. Paul Desagneaux, Sales Manager at Rotortrade, who led the transaction, commented: “This transaction highlights the value of having both sales and MRO capabilities integrated within the same organization, allowing us to manage the aircraft efficiently and keep the project moving without delay. We acquired and held the aircraft for a period of time while Mercy Flight finalized its financing, bridging the gap between purchase and resale timelines. This turnkey capability underscores our unique position in the industry, allowing us to best support our clients within their acquisition parameters.” Scott Wooton, Executive Vice President at Mercy Flight Inc., added: “We appreciated Rotortrade’s proactive approach and transparency throughout the process. The Bell 429 was presented in very good condition, and Rotortrade’s ability to manage the logistics and support the transition toward EMS configuration gave us confidence that the project would move forward smoothly and on schedule. We’re thrilled to be able to add another critical lifesaving asset to the communities we serve via Rotortrade’s sales network.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]