Thales and StandardAero’s StableLight™ Autopilot Chosen by Leading Helicopter Operator Heli Austria

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - October 9, 2025 - Thales and StandardAero are pleased to announce the StableLight 4-Axis Autopilot system has been selected by Heli Austria, a leading European helicopter operator. The system is currently being installed on one of Heli Austria's H125 helicopters at their facility in Sankt Johann im Pongau, Salzburg, Austria.

Based on Thales's Compact Autopilot System, the StableLight 4-Axis Autopilot system combines several robust features into a lightweight system ideally suited for light category rotorcraft. ​ The system transforms the flight control experience of the helicopter with its stability augmentation. Adding stabilized climb flight attitude recovery, auto hover, and a wide range of other sophisticated features, significantly decreases pilot workload. This enhances mission capability and can help to reduce risks in critical flight phases and adverse conditions such as Inadvertent entry into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC). StableLight has a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"Operational and pilot safety are very important to Heli Austria. We have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to be the European launch customer of this proven product. The added safety features and reliability is a welcomed advantage to our pilots." Roy Knaus, CEO, Heli Austria

"At Thales, integrating cutting-edge technologies to deliver safety and trust is fundamental to who we are. By uniting Thales's advanced expertise with StandardAero's deep industry knowledge, we harness a powerful combination to provide Heli Austria's pilots with the autopilot solution they have eagerly awaited." Florent Chauvancy, Vice President Flight Avionics Activities, Thales.

"We are thrilled to be working with Heli Austria, a renowned operator in the European market. The adoption of our StableLight autopilot system demonstrates their commitment to safety and innovation. Once certified by EASA, European H125 operators will be able to reach a new level of safety and efficiency of helicopter operations with the StableLight system." Andrew Park, General Manager, StandardAero.

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About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

About StandardAero
StandardAero is a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, serving the commercial, military and business aviation end markets. StandardAero provides a comprehensive suite of critical, value-added aftermarket solutions, including engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, on-wing and field service support, asset management and engineering solutions. StandardAero is an NYSE listed company under the ticker symbol SARO.