Corporate

The Helicopter of the Future: Eurocopter signs first partnerships with 22 innovative companies

Eurocopter today continued its participation at the 50th Paris Air Show by signing the first 22 partnership agreements with innovative French companies selected to form part of the Helicopter of the Future program. These firms will come together in a technological and industrial initiative set up as part of an innovation program launched by the French government two years ago.

Designed to support the industrial helicopter program and provide a framework for the development of innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Helicopter of the Future program was officially initiated in 2011 as part of the Investments in the Future initiative. Two years later, some 22 companies – 12 of them SMEs selected for their expertise and innovative solutions – have joined the group charged with the task of building the technological platforms that will form part of Eurocopter’s future aircraft product range.

This project brings to fruition the agreement that the French government and Eurocopter signed with a view to bringing French manufacturers together in an ambitious research program. Overseeing the program are the French National Aerospace Research Establishment (ONERA), which is responsible for implementing the agreements; the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), which is supervising it; and the French armament procurement agency (DGA), responsible for ensuring the technical objectives are achieved.

The Helicopter of the Future program is the bedrock of an ambitious research and technology initiative. Embracing sustainable development as a core concept, the new generation of helicopters will draw specifically on a series of new approaches linked to eco-design, human-machine interface, on-board equipment and flight performance.

After signing the agreements on behalf of Eurocopter, Joseph Saporito, Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain, said: “The Helicopter of the Future will be cleaner and quieter with better communications and improved performance. Our Group is looking to attract the most daring and innovative companies. That is why it is committed to providing a framework for a program that will have Eurocopter at its core and to supporting SMEs all over France in a lasting relationship. It is a commitment to the future; one that will create jobs and bring international success for each of our partners.”

Today’s event came at the end of a request for proposals from SMEs by Eurocopter in conjunction with the PEGASE center of excellence, which had the task of attracting applications and organizing meetings where the most innovative companies were selected. Having received more than 300 replies and published 89 calls for competencies between 2012 and 2013, the project partners have now signed 20 agreements with 22 companies, 60 percent of them SMEs.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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New E-HOTS support partnership combines the expertise of Eurocopter, DAHER, DCI, Eurotradia and Vector Aerospace

Le Bourget, France, June 20, 2013 An innovative total support solution for Eurocopter helicopters in deployed operations was launched with a consortium agreement signed yesterday at the Paris Air Show by its five participants: Eurocopter, DAHER, DCI, Eurotradia and Vector Aerospace.

An innovative total support solution for Eurocopter helicopters in deployed operations was launched with a consortium agreement signed yesterday at the Paris Air Show by its five participants: Eurocopter, DAHER, DCI, Eurotradia and Vector Aerospace.

This solution – designated E-HOTS (Eurocopter Helicopter On Theatre Services) – consolidates the five partners’ expertise and pools their resources, providing a turnkey support package that covers an extensive range of services for rotorcraft in any deployed operation such as humanitarian and crisis relief missions, in conflict zones, and for oil and gas exploration.

The consortium agreement was officially signed at the Eurotradia booth, with participation from Olivier Lambert, Senior Vice President Sales and Customer Relations; Eurocopter; Trevor Pritchard, Business Development Director of Vector Aerospace UK; Didier Kayat, Executive Vice President of DAHER; Patrick Belval, Chief Operating Officer of Eurotradia; and Jean-Baptiste Pinton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for DCI.

Copyright Eurocopter J.DEULIN

Benefits of E-HOTS include all-inclusive and versatile support for enhanced capabilities, with availability at short notice and the supply of services in austere conditions – backed by experienced operators. In addition, the ability to combine the resources of the five E-HOTS partners ensures that ready-to-use support packages specifically tailored the demanding operational needs of customers are available quickly – all while remaining highly cost effective.

"Deployed operations create some of the most challenging conditions for our customers, and the new E-HOTS partner teaming provides adaptable, capable and cost efficient services wherever they may be called to action,” said Olivier Lambert, Senior Vice President Sales and Customer Relations for Eurocopter.

“A historic partner to the Defence sector, DAHER has proven its know-how in the field of transportation, logistics and management for the withdrawal of armed forces in overseas operations. DAHER is pleased to provide this expertise to the E-HOTS consortium” said Didier Kayat, DAHER Executive Vice President.

E-HOTS service modules are available in four categories: maintenance, logistics, operations, and supplementary services – enabling support to be customized to operators’ unique requirements and provided during the required deployed durations.

“Vector Aerospace UK is pleased to offer its proven expertise in providing maintenance support for deployed helicopter operations, to complement the pooled strengths of this innovative international consortium,” said Michael Tyrrell, Managing Director of Vector Aerospace UK.

For quick cost comparisons, an express quotation tool will be available on the consortium website: www.e-hots.com

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

About Vector Aerospace (www.vectoraerospace.com)
Vector Aerospace is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Africa, and Kenya Vector Aerospace provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vector Aerospace’s customer-focused team includes over 2,700 motivated employees. Vector Aerospace’s UK business has significant experience in deployed maintenance operations.

About Eurotradia (www.eurotradia.fr)
Founded in 1921, Eurotradia International is a global consulting and services company with an active network of experts in over 50 countries. Eurotradia’s scope of activities includes: the definition of service offers for aircraft operators (flight capacity delivery, setting up of logistic bases), risk analysis, legal and financial assessment; the supply of civilian or military aeronautical maintenance equipment (parts, tools, dynamic components); and the assessment of companies in order to bring local support tailored to the customer’s needs.

About DAHER (www.daher.com)
Created in 1863 and present in 12 countries across the world, DAHER is an international tier-1 equipment and service supplier to the Aerospace & Defence, Nuclear & Energy and Capital Goods Industries sectors.
DAHER has proven capabilities in the field of transportation, logistics and management of armed forces in overseas operations, from diagnostics through to the implementation of adapted operational services: engineering, industrial services, logistics and transport solutions.

About DCI (www.groupedci.com/fr)
With key operations in Europe, the Middle-East, Asia and Africa, DCI is a worldwide service provider for specialist support. In the Training & Operations field, DCI offers all types of courses used within Armed Forces, from basic level to highly specialized programs and training (academic, operational and technical). DCI Helicopter Services provides on theatre maintenance management, O & I level activities, as well as logistics and airworthiness management. With a majority of over 500 experts being active duty, reserve and retired military personnel, its unique and cross-disciplinary military culture enables a strong understanding of customer needs in-theatre.

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Malaysia’s Kris Sakti Aviation will perform power grid development with newly-ordered Eurocopter AS350 B3e, EC135 T3 and EC225 helicopters

The development, monitoring and maintenance of Malaysia’s electrical power infrastructure will be performed by Eurocopter’s AS350 B3e, EC135 T3 and EC225 helicopters, which are being ordered by Kris Sakti Aviation.

A subsidiary of Kris Sakti Holding, Kris Sakti Aviation will embark on a new venture to provide aerial power line solutions in Malaysia, as they signed a contract to acquire three Eurocopter aircraft today at the Paris Air Show.

“By ordering one each of these three helicopter types, Kris Sakti Aviation will benefit from the excellent performance capabilities of these single- and twin-engine rotorcraft – with the possibility of tailoring their use to specific mission requirement in providing the full spectrum of aerial power line solutions,” said Pierre Rossignol, President and CEO of the Eurocopter Malaysia affiliate.

The AS350 B3e is targeted for delivery in 2014, while the EC135 and EC225 will be provided by Eurocopter to the operator in 2015.

“Our venture into aerial power line solutions will mark a significant milestone in the history of Malaysian aviation,” stated Kris Sakti Holding Chairman, Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib. “The use of helicopters for power line operations will vastly increase the efficiency of distributing electricity into even rural areas, taking Malaysia one step closer to fulfilling its aspiration of becoming a fully developed nation.”

Eurocopter’s subsidiary in Malaysia will help to ensure support and services are close at hand to assist Kris Sakti through the acquisition process, as well as for the commencement of its power line operations and in continuous fleet support.

The single-engine AS350 B3e is the high-performance member of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family, with exceptional lifting capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed – along with enhanced performance in hot conditions and at very high altitudes.

Eurocopter’s EC225 is an 11-ton twin-engine rotorcraft that integrates the latest technological innovations for more power, increased payload and longer range.

For its EC135, Kris Sakti Aviation has selected the latest improved-performance, updated version that incorporates new engines, main rotor blades with a 10-cm. increased length, along with new and optimized software in the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls).

About Eurocopter Malaysia (Website: www.eurocopter.com.my)
Eurocopter Malaysia was incorporated in 2002, and is the only helicopter manufacturer with a comprehensive network of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service centers in Malaysia. With a workforce of 120 employees and a presence in Subang, Miri, Kuantan and Kerteh, it provides a broad spectrum of services, ranging from scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aircraft modification (retrofit, painting, interior refurbishment and customization), as well logistics support (spare parts, repairs and overhaul). Eurocopter Malaysia backs its support offer with its inventory, 24-hour service, highly skilled workers and efficient logistic services. It has in its stable some 20 local small and medium enterprises as its vendors or partners. The company has also opened in January 2013, in cooperation with BHIC, a benchmark regional simulation center for the EC225 and EC725 to provide training services throughout Asia Pacific.
 

About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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Eurocopter breaks ground for new Paris-Le Bourget industrial site

Dugny, June 20 2013, The green light for the start of construction on Eurocopter’s new industrial site, known as “Paris-Le Bourget”, was given today by Guillaume Faury, President and CEO of Eurocopter, in the presence of Claude Bartolone, President of the French National Assembly; Vincent Capo-Canellas, Senator Mayor of the city of Le Bourget and Chairman of the Communauté d’Agglomérations; Stéphane Troussel, President of the General Council of La Seine Saint-Denis; and Philippe Galli, Prefect of La Seine Saint-Denis. The new site, at the forefront of innovation and environmental standards, will be dedicated to helicopter blade production and to research on composite materials. It is scheduled to open its doors in 2015.

The green light for the start of construction on Eurocopter’s new industrial site, known as “Paris-Le Bourget”, was given today by Guillaume Faury, President and CEO of Eurocopter, in the presence of Claude Bartolone, President of the French National Assembly; Vincent Capo-Canellas, Senator Mayor of the city of Le Bourget and Chairman of the Communauté d’Agglomérations; Stéphane Troussel, President of the General Council of La Seine Saint-Denis; and Philippe Galli, Prefect of La Seine Saint-Denis. The new site, at the forefront of innovation and environmental standards, will be dedicated to helicopter blade production and to research on composite materials. It is scheduled to open its doors in 2015.

Launched in 2011, the project earned the support of the French government at the last International Paris Air Show before receiving the “Grand Paris” seal of approval in February 2012. The project encompasses the transfer of activities at the La Courneuve site (730 employees) and representatives from Innovation Works – EADS’ R&D department, based at Suresnes – to Paris-Le Bourget. Located in the municipalities of Dugny (93) and Bonneuil-en-France (95), the Paris-Le Bourget center of excellence will cover an area of 17 hectares and will be organized in such a way that synergies between manufacturing activities and research into composites will be enhanced.

At the laying of the first stone, Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury presented a 3D video model of the future site and spoke of the history of the site at La Courneuve, the location for the Group’s very first assembly lines and a center recognized around the world for its expertise in the development, manufacture and repair of helicopter blades. The Group CEO also said that the new site, in its capacity as a center of excellence, will seek to create synergies with researchers graduating from specialist schools and universities in the Ile de France region and with innovative SMEs and businesses in the Greater Paris area. The proximity of the former naval aviation base at Dugny to Le Bourget Airport will also make it easier for the Group to meet and greet customers and develop its support and maintenance activities.

© Eurocopter, Amélie Laurin

“The commencement of work on the Paris-Le Bourget site is an integrated part of Eurocopter’s innovation strategy,” said Faury. “In order to maintain our position as a leader, we must benefit from the latest industrial facilities. The move will also position Eurocopter as an industry and research center benchmark in the Ile de France region.”

The move, which should be completed in summer 2015, will involve all employees at La Courneuve and most of the site’s industrial capability. With more than 4,200 blades manufactured and repaired in 2012, La Courneuve is a vital link in the production chain. The transfer of these activities, which are key to the industrial process and come at a time when production is being ramped up at the Marignane assembly site, represents one of the most critical phases in the Eurocopter project.

About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter and SDV expand their joint commitment to the voluntary reduction of CO2 emissions

Le Bourget, France, June 20, 2013 The signing of a new agreement by Eurocopter and its SDV transport provider, both leaders in their domains, at the Paris Air Show yesterday will expand a joint commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by extending their Save Program charter to Eurocopter’s production and administrative facilities in Marignane and La Courneuve, France.

An innovative total support solution for Eurocopter helicopters in deployed operations was launched with a consortium agreement signed yesterday at the Paris Air Show by its five participants: Eurocopter, DAHER, DCI, Eurotradia and Vector Aerospace.

This latest accord builds on a previous agreement, signed in 2011, that set a voluntary 20% reduction in CO2 emissions over a three-year period at Eurocopter’s plant in Donauwörth, Germany.

The agreement was signed by Matthieu Louvot, Vice President Support and Services at Eurocopter, and by Jean-Pascale Naud, Commercial Director and Béatrice Piau, Save Program Manager for SDV.

“Working with SDV, Eurocopter is fully committed to implementing sustainable environmental business practices that go beyond carbon offsetting by also placing the focus on reducing CO2 emissions in its logistics operations worldwide,” explained Mr. Louvot.

Copyright Eurocopter P. PENNA

The purpose of the Eurocopter - SDV Save Program is to define a concrete framework for reducing the carbon footprint of spare parts transport and neutralizing all residual CO2 emissions.

The target set is a reduction in CO2 emissions over a period of three years from the initial roll out date, with the following guidelines:
- Target 30% air shipments
- Reduce 25% of CO2 emissions on these shipments
- Reduce 20% of CO2 emissions on the pre-carriage

SDV’s methodology for the Save Program is based on an integrated three-step solution that involves a CO2 calculator to monitor the carbon footprint of shipments on a regular basis; the creation of eco-solutions that optimize the supply chain and reduce CO2 emissions; and a voluntary carbon offset program aiming at a carbon neutral logistics system.

"We are extremely happy to extend our program with Eurocopter, which has a global and sophisticated logistics network,” added Mr. Naud. “Eco-friendly practices really provide an additional lever in supply chains. Having Eurocopter by our side, committed, is the best sign for tomorrow's logistics challenges."

About SDV (www.sdv.com)
SDV, a company of Bolloré Logistics, is a global leader in supply chain management ranking among the world’s top 10 in transport and logistics with a network of 600 offices in 99 countries.
Our solutions match the complete logistics needs of importers and exporters, upstream and downstream of production: organizing transport, customs and regulatory compliance, logistics, industrial projects and supply chain services. SDV is a specialist in the aerospace and defense industries thanks to more than 30 years of experience and a network of 800 experts who are trained to the technologies specific to this sector, with a presence in over 20 countries all operating within structures which are available 24/7.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business

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“Eurocopter and Ramco sign partnership agreement to offer cloud-based maintenance information systems for helicopters”

Le Bourget, France, June 19, 2013 Eurocopter today announced its global partnership with Ramco Systems, the global Aviation Software provider on cloud, mobile and tablets. Both companies will join forces to offer state-of-the-art helicopter maintenance software which will ease the life of operators and maintenance centers.

Eurocopter today announced its global partnership with Ramco Systems, the global Aviation Software provider on cloud, mobile and tablets. Both companies will join forces to offer state-of-the-art helicopter maintenance software which will ease the life of operators and maintenance centers.

This partnership agreement, formally signed at the 2013 Paris Air Show, enables Eurocopter and Ramco Systems to offer additional mobility and functionality for the collection and treatment of MRO-related data, thereby providing highly effective and cost-efficient fleet management services that are affordable and user friendly for all operators – including those with smaller numbers of helicopters.

“Ramco’s cloud-based maintenance software solution is an outstanding addition to our service offering,” said Matthieu Louvot, Vice President of Support and Services. “The partnership will bring us closer to our customers’ maintenance operations, enabling us to offer them the best quality of service.”

(© Eurocopter P. PENNA)

Commenting on the global partnership, P. R. Venketrama Raja, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Ramco Systems, said “The strength and capability of our Aviation solution gets a global endorsement with Eurocopter, the number one civil and parapublic helicopter manufacturer, choosing Ramco for its functionality, cloud-based solution with mobility, new user interface and role-based WorkSpaces. Ramco Aviation on Cloud is modular which makes it user friendly for small and large operators”.

With tens of thousands of parts in an aircraft, tracking and managing each stage of maintenance work would become unmanageable without a user friendly and comprehensive M&E/ MRO solution. The Ramco-Eurocopter cloud based MRO software addresses the unique needs of smaller Operators, MROs and CAMOs, which until now had to either run on disparate point solutions or operate manually using paper/ excel to track maintenance and manage safety and regulatory compliance.

About Ramco Systems (Website: www.ramco.com)
Ramco Systems provides next generation, end-to-end enterprise solutions that render complete transformation of the business in real time. Built on Ramco VirtualWorks®, all Ramco products are cloud architected by design and address the entire business cycle from transaction to analytics. Part of the USD 1 Billion Ramco Group, the company offers ERP, HCM, MRO, M&E, SCM, CRM, financials, service management, asset management, process control, project management and analytics to multiple verticals on the most appropriate cloud model – public, private and community. Ramco focuses on providing innovative business solutions that can be delivered quickly and cost-effectively in complex environments. Globally, Ramco has over 150,000 users from 1000+ customer organizations across 35 countries. The company currently has 21 offices spread across India, USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, South Africa and APAC.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Helipartner Thailand launches its leasing activity with an order for 10 Eurocopter AS350 B3e helicopters

Le Bourget, France, June 19, 2013 Helipartner Thailand’s order of 10 AS350 B3e highlights the effectiveness and capabilities of this Ecureuil family helicopter to meet the increasing demand for light helicopters in the ASEAN region.

Helipartner Thailand’s order of 10 AS350 B3e highlights the effectiveness and capabilities of this Ecureuil family helicopter to meet the increasing demand for light helicopters in the ASEAN region.

The acquisition of 10 Eurocopter enhanced high-performance AS350 B3e helicopters by Helipartner Thailand responds to increased demand for high-performance utility helicopters across ASEAN countries in support of aerial work operations and the management of natural resources.

This acquisition was formalized by an agreement signed at the Paris Air Show yesterday by Helipartner Thailand and Eurocopter’s South East Asia affiliate. Deliveries of the evolved AS350 B3e version of Eurocopter’s popular AS350 Ecureuil family will be from 2013 to 2015.

Copyright Helipartner Thailand

“After our first AS350 B3e delivery in May 2013 and its successful leasing in Indonesia, we are delighted to expand our fleet with this new order and pursue our leasing market development with the helicopter type,” said Tisanu Ratanarat, CEO of Helipartner Thailand. “It will enable our customers to support their countries’ increased demand for a utility helicopter that delivers the proven performance of the A350 B3e.”

Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury added: "Our Ecureuil AS350 B3e provides the flexibility and versatility demanded by operators in the ASEAN region. Helipartner Thailand's decision today reaffirms the excellent performance of this long-standing member of our fleet".

Helipartner Thailand was incorporated in 2011 and is a joint venture of Thailand’s major offshore helicopter operator, SFS Aviation, and Helipartner Malaysia. Based on their respective experience and expertise, these two partners decided to add flexibility and solutions to the light single-engine helicopter market in the ASEAN region. After identifying the niche market, they launched their leasing activity with a complete set of solutions based on their operators’ experience and capabilities in the support of local operators in their missions.

Eurocopter’s enhanced AS350 B3e was selected by Helipartner Thailand for the rotorcraft’s market popularity, high performance, multi-mission capabilities and reliability. Helipartner Thailand believes that its versatility and popularity will guarantee safe and cost effective operations to regional operators. The proximity of Eurocopter through its four subsidiaries in the region will also ensure a close support of the leased fleet.

About Helipartner (www.helipartner.net)
Founded in 2008, by a group of experienced senior managers, engineers and pilots from the helicopter industry who benefit from knowing all the major helicopter manufacturers and the challenges faced by the operators. Helipartner offered tailored assistance to organizations in order to guide them through all the necessary steps that will lead to a safe and cost effective helicopter operation. Helipartner extended its activity in 2011 with the creation of Helipartner Thailand resulting from an alliance with the first and biggest Thai offshore operator, SFS Aviation. The CEO of SFS Aviation, Mr. Tisanu Ratanarat, has brought to Helipartner Thailand his expertise in the management of helicopter operations.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact: