Australian tech entrepreneur John-Paul (JP) Thorbjornsen has completed a 10,000-nautical mile journey across 21 countries in 41 days aboard his newly purchased Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition helicopter.
Completing 39 stops en route to its new home here in Australia, the lean and agile ACH130 is one of just 15 examples built to date of the bespoke aircraft. JP is the first Australian to own one of the $6 million aircraft.
Collected from Airbus’ Oxford, UK facility on 7 February, he made the decision to fly the seven-seater home himself rather than having it shipped here in the usual manner.
“I’ve always loved flying and was looking for a reliable and powerful helicopter that could safely fly my family and friends around,” he said. “I was impressed by the performance and comfort of the ACH130.”
A blockchain and crypto pioneer who founded Canya, JP was also convinced that the Aston Martin Edition was 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.”
His journey home was not without its challenges, as he navigated changing weather elements and logistical obstacles. Nevertheless, the globetrotter has no regrets about crossing the world with the ACH130.
“The ACH130 has brought me on a journey like no other. The exhilarating ride, the breath-taking aerial views, the cultural exchanges and the friendships established during this trip is worth it all,” he shared.
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.
Two years after its successful launch, ACH has sold all 15 helicopters covered by its initial production commitment, and has confirmed continuing production for this exclusive edition. Some reports claim as many as 35 more aircraft could be headed for the production line.
Orders have come from across the world including Australia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, North America and South East Asia, and the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition was recently refreshed with a new range of eye-catching liveries and cabin interiors.
