Corporate

Eurocopter at ABACE 2013: A “century” milestone marks the company’s 45-year presence in China’s helicopter marketplace

Shanghai, China, April 16, 2013 Eurocopter’s capabilities to serve the rapidly-expanding Chinese helicopter market by building on its 45-year presence in the country is being spotlighted at this week’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai. While maintaining strong product sales, Eurocopter’s China subsidiary has also been multiplying its support and services offerings to meet the increasing helicopter needs in the country.

Eurocopter’s capabilities to serve the rapidly-expanding Chinese helicopter market by building on its 45-year presence in the country is being spotlighted at this week’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai. While maintaining strong product sales, Eurocopter’s China subsidiary has also been multiplying its support and services offerings to meet the increasing helicopter needs in the country.

Exhibited during the ABACE event at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is Eurocopter’s popular twin-engine EC135, representing its modern product line of light and medium helicopters that respond to China’s operational needs in both the commercial and parapublic market segments. Eurocopter’s current rotorcraft fleet in China includes 14 EC135s, which are flown in business aviation, passenger transport and public services including emergency medical services missions.

In addition to the EC135, the EC120, the Ecureuil family, the enhanced EC145 T2 and the EC155 helicopters also are well tailored for the Chinese market – offering a comprehensive product line for the country’s evolving rotary-wing requirements.

© Eurocopter

The company’s strength in China is underscored by the record 90 million euro revenues generated in 2012 by its sale of 16 turbine helicopters to Chinese commercial and parapublic operators – representing a 54 percent increase from the previous year, and maintaining Eurocopter’s overall 40 percent share in these market segments. This activity is three times higher than the average bookings during the 2008-2010 timeframe, confirming that China’s commercial and business helicopter sector has taken off following the reforms enacted in 2011 to facilitate general aircraft operations and access to Chinese airspace.

Eurocopter’s overall civil and parapublic helicopter fleet in China has now reached the 100 mark, with the milestone helicopter – an EC120 – being provided to an investor group that will provide tailored solutions to support the development of helicopter flying clubs.

As Eurocopter’s helicopter fleet grows in China, the company is strengthening its service and support infrastructure in the country, achieving significant milestones during 2012. This included the EC225 simulator installation in Beijing – becoming the first helicopter full-flight simulator certified in China. Type-rating training solutions for the Ecureuil AS350 B3 helicopter have been made available as well. In parallel, the Eurocopter China subsidiary’s Beijing site became the 23rd location in a worldwide network of Eurocopter-approved training centers.

Eurocopter’s CGAMEC joint venture with the CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company and Samwell Aviation added rotor blade repair to its capabilities in 2012, along with a test bench for AS350 helicopter main gear boxes. Created in 2001, the Shenzhen-based CGAMEC is the first Sino-foreign joint venture in the general aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul field, and is approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, as well as the European Aviation Safety Agency.
In other activity, the Eurocopter Asia-Pacific Logistics Platform and its Customer Support Center in Hong Kong were brought under Eurocopter China’s responsibility.

About Eurocopter China
Created in December 2006, Eurocopter China is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter Group, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products. In China, Eurocopter China covers a market share of 40%. With 45 years of presence and over 30 years of experience in industrial cooperation in China, more than 180 Eurocopter helicopters have been sold in the country. In order to provide quality service in proximity to Chinese operators, Eurocopter China has established a multi-based organization in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Harbin, Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong staffed with around 80 employees.
Website: www.eurocopter-china.com

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. 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. (www.eurocopter.com).


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"Eurocopter’s long-term commitment to Brazilian helicopter operators and industry is being marked at the LAAD Defense & Security exposition”

Rio de Janeiro, April 10, 2013 This week’s LAAD Defense & Security exposition will feature a comprehensive lineup of Eurocopter light- and medium-lift helicopters, underscoring the company’s position as a rotorcraft supplier to Brazil’s civil and military operators while also highlighting its role as a strategic partner to the country’s aviation industry.

This week’s LAAD Defense & Security exposition will feature a comprehensive lineup of Eurocopter light- and medium-lift helicopters, underscoring the company’s position as a rotorcraft supplier to Brazil’s civil and military operators while also highlighting its role as a strategic partner to the country’s aviation industry.

Exhibited at the Riocentro convention center in Rio de Janeiro are a Brazilian Army AS350 Fennec, two EC725s from the Brazilian Air Force and Navy fleets, a modernized Panther K2 for the Brazilian Army, an EC145 operated by police in the state of Bahía, and the enhanced AS350 B3e.

The LAAD Defense & Security exposition also provides an opportunity for Eurocopter to mark the 35th anniversary of its Helibras subsidiary in Brazil, and the company will perform a cornerstone laying ceremony for the new Rio de Janeiro facility being built to house a flight simulator for the EC225/EC725 helicopters.

© Eurocopter,  Anthony Pecchi

“With its long-term commitment to Brazil, Eurocopter is ready for the next qualitative steps in serving this important market – providing helicopters that best meet operators’ needs while further enhancing our customer support and industrial capabilities,” explained Mesrob Karalekian, Eurocopter’s Vice President - Sales and Customer Relations for the Americas.

To date, 600-plus Eurocopter helicopters have been delivered to military and civil clients in Brazil, with the company holding a 50 percent share of the country’s military and civil markets. The Helibras operation has expanded to include more than 730 employees, and generated an annual turnover of more than 155 million euros.

Helibras’ industrial site at Itajubá in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has become a world-class rotary-wing center of excellence for the production, assembly and maintenance of EC725 helicopters being acquired by Brazil’s three armed forces. This site also creates the framework for potential future helicopter development in the country, along with the evolution of Brazil’s aviation industry supply chain.

“Our presence at LAAD this year is marked with a special milestone, as our company is celebrating its 35th anniversary,” said Helibras CEO Eduardo Marson. “Helibras has experienced strong growth in this time and we are continuing to invest to secure a solid future for our company, with our Brazilian EC725 assembly line now in force and the development of our after-sales capacity”.

At the LAAD Defense & Security exposition, Eurocopter’s AS350 Fennec on display is the military version of the renowned single-engine multi-purpose Ecureuil. The AS350 Fennec was the first helicopter type built by Helibras – with more than 400 of these Brazilian-assembled rotorcraft, known by their Esquilos designation, delivered to date.

The two EC725s participating at this week’s LAAD Defense & Security exposition symbolize the major acquisition of these twin-engine helicopters by Brazil’s armed forces in the largest such contract ever signed in South America. Helibras’ production of EC725s at Itajubá results from a €160 million investment, which includes the facility’s establishment of the various elements necessary for helicopter production, as well as the organization and operation of related training programs for personnel.

Also appearing at this week’s LAAD event is the first modernized twin-engine Panther K2 for the Brazilian Army, which will be presented to the military service for its technical evaluations. Helibras won a contract in 2009 for the modernization of 34 Panthers, which includes the integration of new Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 CG engines and communication systems into this version of Eurocopter’s Dauphin helicopter family.

Eurocopter’s presence at the LAAD Defense & Security exposition includes the Bahía police service’s twin-engine EC145 helicopter, which demonstrates the company’s capability to integrate mission equipment in meeting the needs of Brazilian military operators.

Completing the line-up is the display of an enhanced AS350 B3e, featuring improved hot-and-high performance as well as a modern cockpit that incorporates the dual-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD).

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. 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. (www.eurocopter.com).


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Eurocopter, Turbomeca and WZL 1 to establish two full assembly lines for Poland’s military helicopter acquisition

Lodz, Poland, April 4, 2013 Eurocopter and Turbomeca (Safran) today announced the signature of industrial cooperation agreements with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL-1) that include the creation of two separate full assembly lines within Poland for the EC725 Caracal helicopter and its Makila 2 turboshaft engines in the framework of this country’s current tender for 70 new multi-role helicopters.

Eurocopter and Turbomeca (Safran) today announced the signature of industrial cooperation agreements with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL-1) that include the creation of two separate full assembly lines within Poland for the EC725 Caracal helicopter and its Makila 2 turboshaft engines in the framework of this country’s current tender for 70 new multi-role helicopters.

The agreement brings together the resources of rotorcraft manufacturer Eurocopter, engine manufacturer Turbomeca and WZL-1, ensuring a comprehensive in-country industrial work package that also includes training for locally-hired workers, along with a comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capability that will last far beyond the duration of the contract itself – and potentially be open to future export contracts.

© Eurocopter,  Darius Chomka

This builds on the long-term approach of Eurocopter and its parent company EADS to cooperatively develop Poland’s aviation capabilities, led by EADS’ 2001 acquisition of PZL Warsawa-Okecie – the country’s longest-established aviation manufacturer. The long-standing strategy is strengthened by Eurocopter’s supply of more than 50 helicopters to Polish operators – including 23 EC135s for Poland’s LPR (Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe) in a modernization of the country’s nationwide emergency medical services network, making it one of the most modern in Europe. This cooperation has set the standard for a governmental operator transitioning from a Soviet-era rotorcraft type to a modern Western helicopter.

“As the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter will offer the solution best suited to meet Poland’s operational mission requirements with the EC725 Caracal – which has proven its reliability and efficiency on many battlefields,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “We are now positioned to provide an unmatched industrial commitment that continues a proven track record with manufacturers and operators around the world. The cooperation also exemplifies another step in the expansion of the European defense industry.”

Maxime Faribault, Turbomeca’s Vice President of Airframers Sales, added: “Turbomeca’s partnership strategy is based on the Makila engine, benefitting from a proven experience in harsh environments, and on our strong cooperation know-how. The extensive involvement of WZL-1 within the manufacturing of the engines and their MRO support will create a long-term cooperation based on cutting-edge technologies and the sharing of technical know-how and expertise. We are fully confident in the success of this cooperative agreement.”

“Our strategy is the development in aviation activities particularly within state’s security and defence, but not only. The implementation of a new helicopter platform is one of our priorities covering possibly wide range of activities meaning its production, overhaul and servicing. Signing of the agreement, here, today, with Eurocopter is one of the steps of this strategy. This task is extremely important for our company’s future which depends on it. It also gives many possibilities to other companies in Lodz region” – said Mr. Jan Piętowski, the President of Military Aviation Works No. 1 J.S.C.

The EC725 Caracal is a modern, multi-role 11-metric-ton-class helicopter designed for armed operations, troop transport, rescue duties and logistics support. Equipped with a five-blade main rotor system and the latest in avionics and systems, it carries up to 29 passengers in addition to the flight crew. Flight endurance is 5.5 hours with the helicopter’s impressive fuel capacity.

As a rotorcraft of choice for military forces worldwide, current EC725 Caracal customers range from France, Brazil and Mexico to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Its capabilities were validated by EC725 Caracal combat deployments with French forces in Afghanistan and in supporting France’s role during NATO-led operations for the Libyan military campaign and Mali. Deployed in the most challenging theatres of operations, the EC725 Caracal is today the only heavy, single platform, modern and combat proven helicopter on the market able to perform the widest range of missions.

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. 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. (www.eurocopter.com).

About Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced 70,000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Offering the widest range of engines in the world and dedicated to 2,500 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 17 sites, 28 Certified Maintenance Centers, 18 Repair & Overhaul Centers, and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units. For more information: www.turbomeca.com and www.safran-group.com. Turbomeca is part of Safran group, which has operated in Poland since 2001 via group company Hispano-Suiza. The local subsidiary of this company produces gears, housings and components for airplane and helicopter engines, and also assembles power transmissions. Located in Sedziszow, this plant has more than 500 employees.

About Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze Nr 1 (WZL-1)
Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 1 Spółka Akcyjna (Military Aviation Works No. 1 Joint-Stock Company) is one of the leading European aviation companies which has been present on the market for more than 68 years. The company has established its position thanks to non-standard activities covering mainly overhauls, technical maintenance and modernization of Mi-2, Mi-8, Mi-14, Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters, overhauls of SO-3/W engines and the TW3-117 engines family, of aircraft and helicopter accessories and equipment. Moreover, the Joint-Stock Company performs precision measurements of turbine engine elements, application of anti-erosion coating, defectoscopy, boroscopic inspections, CNC milling, helicopter and aircraft painting, fabrication of electrical harnesses, gas and electric welding, standard heat treatment, welding and metrological services. More information can be found at: www.wzl1.mil.pl.


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The latest version of Ecureuil family to enter the UK market with the AS350 B3e

Oxford, UK, March 28, 2013 The AS350B3e, the newest version of Eurocopter’s successful Ecureuil family, is the latest addition to the UK’s important single engine helicopter fleet in Private/Business Aviation.

The AS350B3e, the newest version of Eurocopter’s successful Ecureuil family, is the latest addition to the UK’s important single engine helicopter fleet in Private/Business Aviation.

After its entry into service in September 2011, the AS350B3e, the latest version of the powerful 7 seat, 2,3 ton AS350 single engine helicopter family was delivered for the first time to a UK customer, which also marks a new dawn in the Private/Corporate market in the UK.

© Eurocopter, Patrick Penna

“We are very proud to add Loxwood Holdings and the new AS350Be to our Eurocopter family in the UK”, says Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK Limited.” We are mindful that our customers have a wide choice of single helicopters these days, but we are also aware that besides the pure product, the scope, quality and proximity of through life support has become a more important issue, than in the past, for these customers – and with the capability of Britain’s Civil Helicopter Hub here at Oxford we offer a comprehensive solution, unmatched by any other OEM.”

The full range of support and service solutions is available at Eurocopter UK’s facilities at Oxford, supplemented by a network of regional engineers and a fleet of 20 Eurocopter mobile units covering the country, allowing for highest reactivity and state of the art customer service.

“Having owned other new helicopters before, but never a Eurocopter product, I did a lot of personal research and benchmarking before contacting Eurocopter UK at Oxford. Since then I am delighted with the whole experience; the staff I have been involved with, the product, the passion from their people here and back in France, the full, locally available OEM support which is quite unique, compared to what I have been facing in the past says Mr. Holland of Loxwood Holdings.

The AS350 B3e is the latest member of the AS350 high-performance family, which outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety and competitive acquisition and maintenance costs. It excels in hot conditions and very high altitudes, and broke records when a standard production aircraft landed on the top of Mount Everest in 2005.

Today, around 5,350 Ecureuils have been delivered in 130 countries to some 1,600 operators. These aircraft have accumulated close to 25 million flight hours.

About Eurocopter UK Ltd.
Eurocopter UK Ltd, Britain’s Civil Helicopter Hub, and its predecessors have been present and highly active in the United Kingdom for over 30 years, dominating the civil rotary wing(rw) sector. Its contribution to the aerospace sector of the national economy includes the development of police aviation leading to a 75% market share, air ambulances (70% share), and well over 50% of the offshore oil and gas market. Eurocopter UK Ltd is headquartered in Oxford, with additional bases in Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Hawarden (Wales) and Aberdeen (Scotland) and provides the full range of products and services for the rw sector, including prime contractor for the RAF Puma Mk2 programme. Some 450 Eurocopter helicopters form the largest part of the UK's helicopter fleet and the backbone of vital national infrastructure such as 100 helicopters serving the UK Ministry of Defence for transport, training and high end operational missions. Eurocopter enjoys a reputation for innovation, high quality and a strong customer service ethos. To date, Eurocopter UK Ltd has exported helicopter High-Tech solutions to 23 nations on
 

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 some 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’s Ecureuil family arrives in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh, 28 March 2013 Eurocopter makes a breakthrough into the Bangladeshi civil helicopter market with the arrival of the country’s first Eurocopter rotorcraft this year. An EC130 B4 was delivered to R&R Aviation; while an AS350 B3e was showcased to civilian and governmental prospects in a two-day flight demonstration. Both aircraft are light helicopters belonging to Eurocopter’s world renowned Ecureuil family.

Eurocopter makes a breakthrough into the Bangladeshi civil helicopter market with the arrival of the country’s first Eurocopter rotorcraft this year. An EC130 B4 was delivered to R&R Aviation; while an AS350 B3e was showcased to civilian and governmental prospects in a two-day flight demonstration. Both aircraft are light helicopters belonging to Eurocopter’s world renowned Ecureuil family.

Eurocopter delivered its first civil helicopter to R&R Aviation Limited (a concern of Sikder Group) earlier this month – the first of two EC130 B4s that were acquired by the Bangladeshi helicopter operator during the Singapore Airshow last year. To be used primarily for providing emergency medical services (EMS) and humanitarian support, the EC130 B4 can also be reconfigured for air charters, sightseeing tours and aerial observation with a cabin that seats up to eight passengers.

© Eurocopter, Anthony Pecchi

R&R Aviation is the largest private helicopter operator in Bangladesh. Rick Haque Sikder, R&R Aviation Chairman explained, “We are very proud to be the first Eurocopter operator in Bangladesh. This high performance aircraft will enable us to develop our commercial and medical services for the people of Bangladesh. We are looking forward to receiving our second EC130 B4 and we hope that this is the beginning of a long term partnership between R&R Aviation and Eurocopter, with more helicopters to come.”

Recognizing the potential of light helicopters in this market, Eurocopter also brought in an AS350 B3e for a two-day flight demonstration in Dhaka. The demonstration showcased the AS350 B3e’s capabilities to the helicopter pilots community, business leaders, senior officers from governmental entities and civil aviation authorities.

“We see a promising future for the demand and deployment of helicopters in both the civil and governmental markets in Bangladesh,” said Eurocopter South East Asia President, Eric Toussaint. “With its advanced technology and versatility, the AS350 B3e is able to answer most of the country’s requirements for a variety of missions, including passenger transport, EMS, aerial work, law enforcement, disaster management, etc.”

The aircraft was well-received by the participants with very positive feedback on the speed and level of comfort. Commenting on his flight experience, Brigadier General Abdullah Al Azhar, commander of the ad hoc army aviation group, who is also a qualified pilot of Eurocopter’s medium, twin-engined AS365 N3+ Dauphin, noted that “the rate of climb and manoeuvrability of the AS350 B3e was impressive, surpassing our expectations of a single-engine aircraft.”

The AS350 B3e used for the flight demonstration was on its way to Kathmandu, Nepal, to be delivered to Shree Airlines, the biggest helicopter operator in Nepal. Providing services for United Nations humanitarian missions for rations distribution and passenger transport around the world, Shree Airlines is increasing its fleet to expand their activities for EMS and tourism in Nepal.

Both the EC130 B4 and AS350 B3e are members of Eurocopter's rugged and proven Ecureuil family. The EC130 B4 offers one of the most spacious cabins in its class, and is also the quietest helicopter in the market: its Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced external sound level. The AS350 B3e is the latest member of the AS350 high-performance family, which is not only versatile and safe, but also offers competitive acquisition and maintenance costs. It excels in hot conditions and very high altitudes, and broke records when a standard production aircraft landed on the top of Mount Everest in 2005.

Today, around 5,350 Ecureuils have been delivered in 130 countries to some 1,600 operators. These aircraft have accumulated close to 25 million flight hours.

About Eurocopter South East Asia (www.eurocoptersea.com.sg)
Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the Regional Headquarters of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer. Established in 1977 in Singapore, ESEA is the training and technical hub, and handles sales and customer support activities of 15 territories in total. In 2012, ESEA achieved a turnover of 138 million Euros. With a staff-strength of more than 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of Singapore-based sales team and regional sales managers and technical representatives, servicing and maintaining more than 300 helicopters in the region.
 

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 some 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 Japan delivers the first helicopter equipped for high-speed, real-time data transmission to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency

Tokyo, Japan, March 28, 2013 The capabilities of Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) in crisis response and coordination will be significantly improved following its introduction of a Eurocopter AS365 N3 helicopter equipped with a high-speed, real-time transmission system using Earth-orbiting relay satellites – a world’s first.

The capabilities of Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) in crisis response and coordination will be significantly improved following its introduction of a Eurocopter AS365 N3 helicopter equipped with a high-speed, real-time transmission system using Earth-orbiting relay satellites – a world’s first.

This installation – called the Helicopter Satellite Communication System (HSA) – enables direct transmission to satellites without interruption from a helicopter’s moving rotor blades, and relays data to ground receiving stations. Developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, its retrofit integration on the AS365 N3 was handled by the Eurocopter Japan subsidiary of Eurocopter, which also is responsible for the installation’s approval process with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau. Seiryo Electric Corporation is responsible for the system’s marketing and sales to the FDMA.

The HSA-equipped AS365 N3 was delivered by Eurocopter Japan today, and is expected to be operational with the Fire and Disaster Management Agency in early April. This organization provides a wide range of services in dispatching and coordinating rescue team responses to disaster situations, and is part of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

© Eurocopter Japan, Chikako HIRANO

“High-speed and real-time transmission from airborne helicopters is now a reality – available first to Japan, where the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake reaffirmed the importance of helicopters in disaster response and recovery coordination,” explained Stephane Ginoux, the President & CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “With this technology now available for Japan’s disaster prevention network, the next step will be offering such capability to customers in other countries – benefitting from Eurocopter’s international reach and the support of its EADS parent company.”

Using the HSA’s satellite relay, data can be provided from helicopters even when ground-based networks are interrupted, as well as in situations where line-of-site broadcasts are hampered by mountains or tall buildings.

The AS365 N3 on which Eurocopter Japan installed the HSA is a highly popular helicopter type with fire fighting services, disaster relief organizations and police agencies, as well as the news media. Currently, 55 AS365s are operated in Japan. Eurocopter has a 60 percent market share in the Japanese fire-fighting segment, which includes operations of the BK117 helicopter – developed jointly with Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

About Eurocopter Japan
Established in 2009, Eurocopter Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of Eurocopter, a division of EADS. It is the first foreign affiliated aircraft manufacturer to carry out direct sales, training, and customer support activities in the Japanese aeronautical sector. There are about 260 employees allocated at four bases, including Tokyo and Kobe. With more than 50 years of in-country presence, Eurocopter Japan confirms its leadership position with a 54 percent market share overall in Japan (for the turbine helicopter market, not including defense).

Eurocopter Japan makes Japan’s sky safer, more reliable and cost-efficient by providing high quality products and services.

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 some 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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Two Eurocopter EC225 helicopters will be added to Malaysia’s Weststar Aviation Services as their first heavy-lift helicopters for oil and gas operations

Langkawi, Malaysia, March 26, 2013 Following major orders of the EC225 signed at the Heli-Expo earlier this month in Las Vegas, the sales momentum for this 11-ton class helicopter from Eurocopter’s Super Puma family continues at the Langkawi Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition this week in Malaysia with an order for two units from Weststar Aviation Services.

Following major orders of the EC225 signed at the Heli-Expo earlier this month in Las Vegas, the sales momentum for this 11-ton class helicopter from Eurocopter’s Super Puma family continues at the Langkawi Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition this week in Malaysia with an order for two units from Weststar Aviation Services.

A Memorandum of Understanding for the EC225s was signed today during the Langkawi Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition by company officials, witnessed by Malaysian Minister of Defense, YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The acquisition is part of Weststar’s strategy to build up an extensive helicopter fleet to be deployed around the world. Targeting to begin operating their new helicopters in 2014, the EC225s will strengthen their position in the global oil and gas market, as the aircraft’s advanced technology and high performance has made it the helicopter of choice for oil and gas missions worldwide.

© Eurocopter, Anthony Pecchi

“We are delighted that Weststar has selected Eurocopter to provide for their heavy helicopter needs in their expansion plans,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “It is great to see an ambitious and impressive oil and gas operator such as Weststar extending its fleet with the leading heavy aircraft in its category after two years of operations with medium helicopters. Eurocopter is proud to accompany Weststar on its expansion journey with our state-of-the-art EC225.”

Formed in April 2003, Weststar Aviation Services provides general aviation charter services, personal transport, aerial utility services and offshore transport. A member of the Weststar Group, this company’s current Eurocopter fleet of seven rotary-wing aircraft includes a mix of light-single, light-twin and medium-twin helicopters.

“The EC225 is a well-recognized helicopter worldwide for oil and gas operations. This addition will definitely enhance Weststar’s current venture into international markets such as the Middle East, Africa and South America,” explained Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Weststar Group Managing Director.

Integrating Eurocopter’s latest technological innovations, the EC225 can seat up to 19 passengers and excels in offering high payload, long range coverage and fast cruise speed. Deployed worldwide for civil and military search and rescue, as well as offshore and passenger transport missions, the Super Puma/Cougar family has logged more than 4.6 million flight hours in operations around the globe.

About Weststar Aviation Services
Formed in April 2003, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Weststar Group, provides general aviation charter services, personal transport, aerial work services and offshore transport.

In the general aviation sector Weststar operates seven Eurocopter helicopters and one AW139 VIP helicopter as well as Gulfstream, Boeing 737 and Boeing 727 business jets from its base at Subang. Weststar Aviation Services entered the offshore transport market when it won a five year contract from Carigali Hess to transport personnel using Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters from Kota Bharu in Malaysia.

With the additional two Eurocopter EC225, Weststar will have a total of 34 helicopters dedicated to providing offshore aviation services from Kota Bharu, Kerteh, Kota Kinabalu and in Africa.

About Eurocopter Malaysia (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 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.
 

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 some 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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