Aston Martin has joined forces with Airbus to unveil an ultra-luxe helicopter inspired by one of the automaker's most high-performance models

As agent 007’s car of choice, Aston Martin is almost synonymous with James Bond. Fans can now take a ride in true Bond style in an Austin Martin—in the form of a helicopter, before the new James Bond film hits theatres in April 2020. 

Aston Martin has partnered with aviation manufacturer Airbus to launch its first helicopter, the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition, introduced with a range of four exterior designs with complementary interiors as a customisable collector’s piece.

The first Aston Martin aircraft unveiled is in “Stirling Green”, which features a painted gradient, fading down into a “Jet Black” shade on the underside of the helicopter with “Skyfall Silver” around the cowlings. Other colour schemes with Aston Martin paint colours include “Xenon Grey”, “Arizona” and “Ultramarine Black”.

Tatler Asia
Above The ACH130 interior (Photo: Courtesy of Airbus)

Inspired by the carmaker’s flagship GT car DB11, the design of the helicopter is a collaborative effort by the aeronautical designers at Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and the automotive designers at Aston Martin. “We have our own set of automotive design principles but in recent years we have been learning how to apply our principles to other areas of design, such as architecture, motorcycles and now helicopters,” says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s vice-president and chief creative officer.

Tatler Asia
Above Leather seats inside the ACH130 (Photo: Courtesy of Airbus)

Inside, the automotive-inspired cabin delivers bespoke comfort that resonates with the interior of Aston Martin sports cars. The DB11 brogue detailing is visible on the rear of the front seats, running down the centre of the seats and the doors and trimmed with leather to deliver comfortable touchpoints that promise an enjoyable flying experience. 

As a finishing touch, each special edition of the ACH130 features a plaque on the instrument panel that shows the partnership logos, aircraft registration, the edition number and (should they wish) the owner’s name.

Topics