Fort Erie-built helicopters now flying in N.Y. with Rainbow Air

Brent Jones
July 5, 2025 at 5:14 AM

Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours in Niagara Falls, N.Y., has added two new Airbus H130 helicopters assembled in Fort Erie to its fleet.

The aircraft, each with seating for seven passengers, were supplied by Airbus Canada’s facility in Fort Erie, according to reporting by the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal.

The helicopters have replaced older McDonnell Douglas models and are now in use at Rainbow Air’s new tourism centre, located at 56 Acheson Drive in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Rainbow Air confirmed on its website that the H130 helicopters are now operational.

The company says the aircraft offer quieter flight, faster climb rates, and on-board audio capabilities for sightseeing tours over Niagara Falls and surrounding areas.

Rainbow Air offers aerial tours of Niagara Falls from its tourism centre located at 56 Acheson Drive in Niagara Falls, New York. Credit: Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours

The helicopters are part of a larger investment by Rainbow Air in its new 30,000-square-foot tourism facility. The aircraft cost approximately $4.5 million each, according to the Union-Sun & Journal.

Airbus Canada’s Fort Erie plant is a key site in Airbus’ helicopter production network.

Airbus recently opened a new 21,000-square-foot integrated distribution centre on Kinsmen Court in Niagara Falls, Ont.