Cover Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition lands in Zamboanga (Photo: John-Paul Thorbjornsen)
Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition lands in Zamboanga (Photo: John-Paul Thorbjornsen)
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Tech entrepreneur John-Paul Thorbjornsen passes by the Philippines in his 10,000-nautical mile journey across 21 countries in 41 days, showing off the strength and agility of Airbus’ latest creation
Upon receiving his helicopter from Airbus’ Oxford, UK facility in early February, Thorbjornsen decided to fly it home rather than have it shipped typically.
Today, Thorbjornsen has flown around 400 flight hours in under nine months with this helicopter. He has extended his fantastic adventure to cover various Australian states, more extensively in the Northern Territory and East Timor.
Unveiling the lean and agile ACH130 Aston Martin Edition for the first time in the Philippines, Thorbjornsen said that he set his sights on the seven-seater ACH130 as soon as it was introduced.
Above John-Paul Thornbjornsen at the launch event of Airbus ACH130 at the Manila Domestic Airport
John-Paul Thornbjornsen at the launch event of Airbus ACH130 at the Manila Domestic Airport
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“I’ve always loved flying and was looking for a reliable and powerful helicopter that could safely fly my family and friends around,” said Thorbjornsen. “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 is the intricate details and finest upholstery that created not just a well-appointed interior but an extremely smooth ride in the spacious cabin.”
Thorbjornsen’s journey was challenging as he navigated changing weather elements and logistical obstacles. Nevertheless, the globetrotter has no regrets about crossing the world with the ACH130.
Read also: Freedom in the Sky: Travel the World with the Bell 505
Above Airbus ACH 130 Aston Martin Edition in Woomera Lake Hart, Australia
Above Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition at the Chiesa Ski Resort in Italy
Airbus ACH 130 Aston Martin Edition in Woomera Lake Hart, Australia
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Above Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition on ground
Above Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition, somewhere in the island of Crete, Greece
Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition on ground
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“The ACH130 has brought me on a journey like no other. The exhilarating ride, the breathtaking aerial views, the cultural exchanges and the friendships established during this trip are worth it all,” he shared.
“The ACH130 is also an important enabler, helping to create new memories with my family and friends while strengthening connections with business contacts as we discover new territories. I look forward to exploring more countries and regions in the coming months.”
Read also: The maverick mindset: What it takes to grow beyond your limits
Above John-Paul Thorbjornsen
John-Paul Thorbjornsen
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The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is the product of a highly fruitful collaboration 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.
Two years after its successful launch, ACH has sold all 15 helicopters covered by its initial production commitment and is committed to continuing production for this exclusive edition. Orders have come from across the world, including Australia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, North America and South East Asia.
The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition was refreshed with a new range of eye-catching liveries and cabin interiors at the beginning of the year, as it continues to impress customers with proven sales success globally.
Read also: Philippine Airlines unveils reconfigured Airbus A330
Above Jussi Hoikka, managing director of Airbus
Jussi Hoikka, managing director of Airbus
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Airbus and the Philippines have had a long-standing relationship, going back more than 40 years to when Philippine Airlines ordered the original A300B4 widebody aircraft. Since then, the European manufacturer has succeeded across the country’s commercial aircraft, defence and helicopter product lines. Airbus is also developing its industrial partnerships in the Philippines, where local firms supply a wide range of equipment and parts for its aircraft.
Airbus has been incredibly successful in the Philippine commercial airliner market, where it is the leading supplier of aircraft in the above 100-seat category. From the best-selling single aisle A320 Family to the popular A330 and the new A350 XWB, Airbus aircraft are part of the fleets of all major carriers in the country.
The company’s relationship with the Philippines began in 1978 when Philippine Airlines (PAL) placed an initial order for the A300B4—the world’s first widebody twinjet airliner. Affectionately dubbed the “Lovebus” by PAL, the first aircraft arrived in Manila in 1979, marking the start of a highly successful partnership between Airbus and the Philippines.
Today, PAL has 26 A320 Family aircraft in its fleet. PAL Express, the airline’s low-fare unit, has another 19 A320 Family aircraft in its fleet. The carrier also has received 23 A330 widebodies.
Read also: JP Anglo creates the new Philippine Airlines menu
Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition flew around Metro Manila and Cavite for its press launch last November 10
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The ACH130 Aston Martine Edition marries the design and craftsmanship of Aston Martin with the engineering and excellence of Airbus. The latest edition boasts the same exhilaration experienced in an Aston Martin sports car. It has a maximum of 347 nautical miles range and four hours endurance. This makes ACH130 a smooth mode of transportation that can take one as far as Banaue or Mindoro without needing a refuel. It has a 952 shp engine and a maximum cruise speed of 134 kts which separates it from other models. Thorbjornsen’s unit was customised to harness even more power and fuel.
Being an artistic vision of luxury, clients interested in ordering a bespoke ACH130 may choose from various leather and other details for its impeccable interior design. A sensual experience awaits with a hand-tufted velvet carpet trimmed in saddle leather. Choices include ivory, camorant, Oxford tan, and pure black colours. For its exteriors, one may opt for the Skyfall Silver colour, which perfectly reflects the earth, or the Jet Black, which adorns the lower fuselage. In between, exterior livery choices include Stirling Green, Xenon Grey, Arizona, and Ultramarine Black.
With sophisticated attention to detail, ACH130 results from master craftsmanship and innovative design handcrafted in Oxford, United Kingdom. Ordering a unit and customising it may take one year.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
