Corporate

Eurocopter’s new EC175 is praised by pilots, passengers and operators during its U.S. demonstration tour

Houston, Texas, March 19, 2013 The Eurocopter EC175’s performance, advanced avionics, handling qualities and operational safety received rave reviews during a U.S. demonstration tour of this next-generation medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter for airlift providers to the off-shore oil and gas sector, as well as the law enforcement and emergency medical services sectors.

The Eurocopter EC175’s performance, advanced avionics, handling qualities and operational safety received rave reviews during a U.S. demonstration tour of this next-generation medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter for airlift providers to the off-shore oil and gas sector, as well as the law enforcement and emergency medical services sectors.

Performed with the no. 1 series production EC175, the three-week multi-state tour enabled pilots, support personnel, managers and others to experience the EC175’s capabilities first-hand during flights conducted from locations along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The helicopter also came to Las Vegas for display at the Heli-Expo 2013 industry show.

Converging feedback included high marks for the helicopter’s responsiveness, its smooth and quiet ride, visibility, flight system and cabin comfort – underscoring the combination of leading-edge design and technology applied by Eurocopter.
“The EC175 is the first helicopter to be truly designed with customers in mind, taking into account extensive consultation with operators and end-users,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “Feedback from throughout the EC175’s U.S. demonstration tour confirms our success in meeting their needs.”

Pilots from multiple oil and gas airlift providers – along with those from law enforcement agencies and emergency medical transportation operators – were given time at the EC175’s controls, while employees of these companies were aboard the helicopter in the evaluations performed from February 25 to March 15. During more than 50 flight hours logged in the demonstrations, 285 crew members and passengers were flown in on-shore and off-shore operations.

Among the comments received were: “The EC175 flies like a magic carpet – smooth and quiet;” “Its avionics system is second to none;” “Performance is superior, with excellent acceleration and deceleration;” “Visibility is outstanding;” and “The EC175 is simply the most advanced, safety-oriented helicopter in the world today.”

The helicopter’s new Helionix avionics was widely praised by pilots who were able to assess this advanced system’s flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and situational awareness in their hands-on evaluations. Helionix further extends the avionics systems already proven on Eurocopter’s EC225 helicopter, and incorporates the most innovative alerting and self-monitoring system. “There is no other aircraft available today with an avionics suite as advanced as on the EC175,” one pilot said. “The EC175 has superior safety qualities along with superior performance qualities.”

In addition, the oil and gas community confirmed the EC175’s speed advantage: a recommended cruise speed of 150 kts., in smooth flight conditions, with a maximum cruise speed that exceeds 165 kts.

Highlighted as well during the demonstrations was the EC175’s range, providing the reach needed by off-shore service providers and other operators. An oil and gas-configured EC175 is capable of carrying 16 passengers to a radius of action (RoA) of 140 naut. mi., while an ultra long-range reach approaching an RoA of 200 naut. mi. is possible when 12 passengers are carried.

Also recognized by the operators is Eurocopter’s commitment to provide a mature helicopter at the EC175’s service entry, supported by a dedicated task force and tools that include validated support and services deliverables, along with established training capabilities.

During its U.S. visit, Eurocopter organized EC175 visits to New Iberia, Lafayette and Lake Charles, Louisiana; concluding with a three-day wrap-up at Houston, Texas. These stopovers included presentations on topics that ranged from operations and performance to Eurocopter’s innovative support and services available for the EC175.

The EC175 has been airlifted back to Europe aboard a chartered cargo jetliner, and this helicopter is to be used for follow-on demonstration tours planned later in 2013 to several additional regions of the world.

To review highlights of the EC175’s U.S. demonstration tour, see the website at EC175.eurocopter.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 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.

For more information, please contact:

Police Service of Northern Ireland’s EC145 order marks another Eurocopter helicopter sales success with British Isles law enforcement

Belfast, Northern Ireland, March 14, 2013 The acquisition of an EC145 by the Police Service of Northern Ireland will add another helicopter to this agency’s all-Eurocopter fleet, and reinforces the company’s impressive presence with law enforcement agencies in the British Isles.

The acquisition of an EC145 by the Police Service of Northern Ireland will add another helicopter to this agency’s all-Eurocopter fleet, and reinforces the company’s impressive presence with law enforcement agencies in the British Isles.

The bookings covered products ranging from Eurocopter’s light single-engine AS350 helicopter to the 11-ton-category EC225 This latest rotary-wing aircraft is to be delivered in the first half of 2013, joining the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s current helicopter inventory, consisting of an owned EC145 and EC135, along with a leased BK117. With the rest of the fleet the new EC145 will be ready to serve in June this year, during the G8 Summit in Northern Ireland.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s current Eurocopter fleet provides a high annual utilization, logging an average 1,100 flight hours yearly per helicopter with excellent reliability. The unit relies on an integrated British helicopter mission system and life cycle service solution provided from Eurocopter UK, Britain’s civil helicopter hub. Latest state of the art high tech equipment is designed and built into the helicopter at Eurocopter’s Oxford plant, whereas maintenance, logistical and technical services are provided locally around the clock at the customer’s base in Northern Ireland.

© Eurocopter UK

“With this new EC145 order, Eurocopter has further reinforced its position as the preferred provider of rotary-wing mission capability for law enforcement agencies in the UK and Ireland,” explained Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK. “We are proud that the skies above the British Isles are patrolled by our capable and cost-effective products. In times of government budget austerity we prove again that our solutions make a big difference”.

Steinke added that the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s EC145 acquisition maintains Eurocopter’s 100 percent market share for police helicopter fleets in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland, along with a 70 percent share for England and Wales, accumulating to a total fleet of 30 EC135/EC145 helicopters.

With more than 350 Eurocopter helicopters in civil and parapublic service across the United Kingdom, Eurocopter UK is the region’s leading onshore supplier of rotorcraft solutions.

From its main facility in Oxford, Eurocopter UK affiliate offers a full range of products and services for rotary-wing aircraft operators in the law enforcement, military, medical airlift and private and business aviation sectors.

About Eurocopter UK Ltd.
Eurocopter UK Ltd 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 ship of the RAF Puma Mk2 programmed. Some 450 Eurocopter helicopters form the biggest part of the UK's turbine 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 all continents. The Eurocopter group employs more than 1600 people across the British Isles.

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.

For more information, please contact:

EADS Appoints Guillaume Faury New CEO of Eurocopter as Lutz Bertling Departs the Group

Amsterdam, 12 mars 2013 Amsterdam, 12 March 2013 – The EADS Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Lutz Bertling as Chief Executive Officer of Eurocopter and Member of the EADS Group Executive Committee, effective 30 April 2013.

Amsterdam, 12 March 2013 – The EADS Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Lutz Bertling as Chief Executive Officer of Eurocopter and Member of the EADS Group Executive Committee, effective 30 April 2013.

Bertling, 50, has been at the helm of the Group’s helicopter Division since November 2006 and had recently expressed his desire to depart the Group in pursuit of another professional opportunity in Germany.

The EADS Board of Directors has appointed Guillaume Faury, 45, to succeed Lutz Bertling. Effective 1 May 2013, Faury joins Eurocopter from Peugeot S.A., where he has served as Executive Vice President for Research & Development since 2010 and as Member of the Managing Board since 2009.

“I regret that Lutz is leaving Eurocopter and the EADS Group to pursue a new challenge outside the aerospace world. We owe Lutz a lot. In his six and a half years at the helm of Eurocopter, he led the company successfully through a period of strong growth and also a deep economic crisis. During his tenure Eurocopter became more international, more innovative, and overall, more competitive. I thank him for all his work and wish him the best for his future”, said Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer of EADS.

“I am happy to welcome Guillaume Faury back at EADS. Early in his career, he excelled at Eurocopter in various management positions before accepting a very senior role at Peugeot. With his profound knowledge of the Division, his leadership skills, and his broad industrial expertise, I am convinced Guillaume is the right person to drive Eurocopter’s ambitious innovation roadmap and global positioning,” Enders said.

Faury, a licensed flight test engineer, served in various senior management functions at Eurocopter from 1998 to 2008 before joining Peugeot S.A. He was Chief Engineer for the EC225/ 725 programme, Head of the Heavy Helicopter Flight Test department, Executive Vice President for Commercial Programmes and, ultimately, Executive Vice President for Research & Development. Faury also was a member of the Eurocopter Executive Committee. He started his professional career with the French Defence Procurement Agency DGA, where he was in charge of Tiger helicopter flight test activities at the Istres Flight Test Centre. Faury holds an engineering degree from the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris as well as an aeronautics and engineering degree from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Aeronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse.

About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2012, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 56.5 billion and employed a workforce of over 140,000.

Contacts:

New Media Section on the EADS website! For information on EADS – photo, video, sound bites, background documents – visit www.eads.com/media

Subscribe to our RSS Feed at www.eads.com/RSS.

Eurocopter underscores its market leadership with 69 helicopter bookings and the latest product line expansion at Heli-Expo 2013

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 11, 2013 New orders and commitments for Eurocopter’s helicopter family, along with an unveiling of the latest evolution in its product line, marked the company’s highly successful participation at Heli-Expo 2013 – the rotorcraft industry’s largest international gathering, held this month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

New orders and commitments for Eurocopter’s helicopter family, along with an unveiling of the latest evolution in its product line, marked the company’s highly successful participation at Heli-Expo 2013 – the rotorcraft industry’s largest international gathering, held this month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The bookings covered products ranging from Eurocopter’s light single-engine AS350 helicopter to the 11-ton-category EC225 helicopter. Among trends reflected by this new business are the continued strength in heliborne transportation for the oil and gas industry, sustained demand in the emergency medical services marketplace, and a further emergence of the helicopter leasing sector.

Eurocopter also utilized Heli-Expo 2013 to debut the newest enhanced member in its product line: the mid-sized, multipurpose twin-engine EC135 T3/P3, which received orders from three launch customers.

“The Heli-Expo show once again demonstrated Eurocopter’s commitment to leadership through innovation, product development and a dedication to meeting the needs of its customers,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “The atmosphere at this year’s event continued to be one of optimism as the industry sustained its recovery, and Eurocopter is well positioned to answer the increased demand for modern, capable helicopters.”

Eurocopter orders announced at Heli-Expo were paced by Milestone Aviation Group’s booking for 14 heavy-lift EC225s and five medium-weight EC175s – bringing this helicopter leasing company’s overall Eurocopter order backlog to a value of nearly $1 billion. The EC225s and EC175s for Milestone will be configured to the requirements of its operating partners in applications such as crew change missions to offshore oil and gas platforms, as well as search and rescue.

Milestone and Eurocopter also revealed an innovative agreement at Heli-Expo for cooperative marketing of Milestone’s growing helicopter portfolio, backed by Eurocopter’s comprehensive Parts-by-the-Hour (PBH) support services.

Bristow Group signed an agreement covering up to 12 EC175s for transportation services in the offshore energy industry, marking another major endorsement for Eurocopter’s next-generation medium-sized helicopter. The first series production EC175 was exhibited in Bristow’s colors at Heli-Expo, where it made a stopover on its U.S. demonstration tour.

Eurocopter’s new mid-sized EC135 T3/P3 twin-engine rotorcraft attracted significant attention in its first presentation at Heli-Expo, with a trio of international customers placing launch orders: Air Methods and Norsk Luftambulanse ordering six each for emergency medical services; and Aiut Alpin Dolomites booking one helicopter for its mountain rescue operations.

The EC135 T3/P3 is offered with two upgraded engine options, along with increased-length main rotor blades and optimized FADEC software – providing significantly improved hot/high performance, increased maximum takeoff weight, extended range and an improved flight envelope.

Orders for other members of Eurocopter’s EC135 family announced at Heli-Expo involved an agreement with emergency medical services (EMS) provider Midwest Medical Transport for an evolved EC135 P2e version; the order from Med-Trans Corporation for an EC135 in the EMS configuration; as well as one EC135 for Phoenix Heli-flight to be used in emergency medical services, search and rescue, and environmental management. Completing these bookings were an EC135 T2e evolved version acquired by The Washington Companies for corporate transport, along with an EC135 for Apoyo Logístico Aéreo to be deployed in flights to off-shore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

For the EC145, transactions announced at Heli-Expo were Avincis Group’s agreement for 10 EC145 T2 rotorcraft – the latest member of Eurocopter’s 4-ton-category twin-engine helicopter – to be deployed in emergency medical services work; a memorandum of understanding from Phoenix Heli-Flight for an EC145 T2 to be used in emergency response as well as oil and gas missions; and Memorial MedFlight’s order for one EC145.

Fox Aviation ordered one EC130 T2 from Eurocopter’s light single-engine helicopter family for private operation; Hospital Wing (Memphis Medical Center Air Ambulance Service) purchased an EC130 B4 for medical airlift; and Peak Aviation acquired an EC130 T2 as platform for movie production, photo sessions and in the utilization of infrared equipment. Also in the light single-engine product range, the transactions at Heli-Expo involved two AS350 B2s for utility missions with Phoenix Heli-Flight; while Universal Helicopters acquired one AS350 B3e to support its missions in Newfoundland and Labrador for mineral exploration, environmental, construction, arctic operations, forest fire suppression and passenger transport.

Eurocopter’s medium-lift Dauphin helicopter family logged an order at Heli-Expo with Transportes Aereos Pegaso for two EC155s, to be deployed in missions serving Gulf of Mexico deepwater oil and gas platforms.

In other Heli-Expo news, it was announced that Peruvian operator Servicios Aéreos de Los Andes will operate two modernized Super Puma AS332L helicopters through a lease and support contract with Vector Financial Services, a subsidiary of Eurocopter’s Vector Aerospace Corporation affiliate. Additionally, Eurocopter approved the Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America operation as an authorized service center for the AS332 family.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Pegaso to expand its Eurocopter-built fleet with two more EC155s for heli-lift missions to deepwater Gulf of Mexico oil and gas platforms

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 7, 2013 Mexico’s Transportes Aereos Pegaso has ordered two Eurocopter EC155s, with these long-range members of the Dauphin medium-lift twin-engine helicopter family to service oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater regions

Mexico’s Transportes Aereos Pegaso has ordered two Eurocopter EC155s, with these long-range members of the Dauphin medium-lift twin-engine helicopter family to service oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater regions

The contract was signed at this week’s Heli-Expo industry show in Las Vegas, Nevada by Pegaso CEO Enrique Zepeda and Lutz Bertling, the President & CEO of Eurocopter.

“As a world-class operator in the offshore market, Pegaso can count on the full resources of Eurocopter in the support of its services, and in maintaining the company’s competitiveness,” Bertling explained.

Pegaso has been operating Eurocopter helicopters for more than three decades. Its current fleet consists of four EC155s, along with a total of 26 other Eurocopter helicopters – composed of the EC130, EC135 and EC145 types. Pegaso also is a launch customer for Eurocopter’s next-generation EC175.

“With these EC155s, Pegaso will further strengthen its ability to meet the development of Mexico’s offshore deepwater energy resources,” Zepeda said. “The EC155 gives Pegaso the additional range and performance needed for such longer missions.”
Pegaso’s main base is situated at Cuidad del Carmen, Campeche. In addition to its operations for the oil and gas sector, Pegaso performs a variety of passenger and cargo transportation services, along with utility work and firefighting duties.

The five-ton-category EC155 helicopter is equipped with Eurocopter’s five-bladed Spheriflex main rotor system and Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, providing fast cruise speeds, a smooth ride for passengers, and high levels of operational safety in such landing sites as off-shore rigs. Its glass cockpit, 4-axis autopilot and Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) maximize the effectiveness of pilots in performing highly-demanding missions.

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:

Eurocopter Super Puma helicopters to serve Peru’s local market through a lease and by-the-hour support solution from Vector Financial Services

Peruvian operator Servicios Aéreos de Los Andes will operate two modernized Eurocopter Super Puma AS332L helicopters through a lease and support contract with Vector Financial Services, a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation.

These two helicopters – which are from Vector Financial Services’ rotorcraft portfolio – will be in operation by this summer, serving the region’s growing oil and gas industry.

Based in Lima, Servicios Aéreos de los Andes offers a wide range of helicopter transport solutions for its clients in the regional mining and oil and gas industry, while also carrying out corporate and medical transport missions. This Peruvian operator, whose fleet already incorporates four Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopters, also signed a memorandum of understanding last November for two of the new Super Puma AS332 C1e versions.

Dominique Andreani, the Chief Commercial Officer of Eurocopter’s regional subsidiary, Eurocopter Cono Sur, said the signature with Servicios Aéreos de los Andes represents an important step for the introduction of the Super Puma helicopter family in Peru’s oil and gas and utility transport market. “The Super Puma perfectly matches the region’s operational requirements in terms of size, performance, availability and ease of maintenance,” he added.

The AS332 L2 and AS332 C1e both belong to one of the most successful Eurocopter families, the Super Puma/Cougar, which has logged more than 4.5 million flight hours in operations around the globe.

Michael Tyrrell, managing director of Vector UK, states: "The Super Puma is an aircraft ideally suited for utility operations and Vector is proud to be able to bring this opportunity to customers like Servicios Aéreos de los Andes and offer them the chance to add the AS332L to their fleet."

The Super Puma/Cougar family is well tailored for operations in Latin America, where there are currently more than 100 helicopters deployed for civil missions – primarily in passenger transport for the offshore oil and gas industry, along with the military sector’s use, for which they carry out local population aid missions, support in the wake of natural disasters and military reconnaissance. The Super Puma/Cougar family is present in almost every country in the Latin American continent.

“Having performing and reliable helicopters is crucial for our business and thanks to Vector’s lease solution, the aircraft will be available in a few months,” said Walton Mery, CEO of Servicios Aéreos de los Andes. “I am very proud to say that with the Super Pumas our company will be setting new standards in helicopter operations in Peru.”

Vector Financial Services (VFS) was formed in 2012 by Vector Aerospace Corporation for the sole purpose of providing cost effective lease and support solutions to utility operators worldwide.

About Vector Aerospace Corporation (www.vectoraerospace.com)
Vector 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 provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vector's customer-focused team includes over 2,800 members.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Avincis and Eurocopter sign a global framework agreement, including the acquisition of 10 EC145 T2 helicopters

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 7, 2013 Avincis Group (Avincis), the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission critical operations, and Eurocopter today announced a global framework agreement that includes the acquisition of 10 new EC145 T2 helicopters for emergency medical service (EMS) work.

Avincis Group (Avincis), the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission critical operations, and Eurocopter today announced a global framework agreement that includes the acquisition of 10 new EC145 T2 helicopters for emergency medical service (EMS) work.

Announced at the Heli-Expo industry trade show in Las Vegas, the agreement covers aftermarket support and training, as well as the purchase of aircraft for use by its operating companies across the world.

Perfectly suited for the most demanding mission requirements, the EC145 T2 is the newest 4-ton-category twin-engine helicopter in Eurocopter’s product range. Three of these latest additions to Avincis’ 350-strong fleet will be used to deliver life-saving EMS missions services in the U.K., with the rest being destined for use in Western Europe. The initial aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2014.

Avincis Group CEO James Drummond said: “As a mission-critical services business, Avincis needs to ensure we have the right fleet to enable us to react quickly, handle any emergency and go wherever our customers need us – always ready, always there. We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Eurocopter, who are an important partner in our future growth.”

Lutz Bertling, the President & CEO of Eurocopter, added: “This agreement marks the latest step in a four-decade relationship with the Avincis Group. As a result, the EC145 T2’s operational capabilities will be available to an even broader segment of the global EMS community.”

The EC145 T2 is an evolved version of Eurocopter’s popular twin-engine EC145, incorporating new Arriel 2E engines, along with the company’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.

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 Avincis Group (www.avincisgroup.com)
Avincis is the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search & rescue, coast and city surveillance, fire fighting and energy support services. Based in the U.K., the Group provides central resources, safety and operating standards and systems and expertise to its operating companies who serve local markets and customers in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Chile, Peru, U.K., Norway, Australia and Ireland. Of primary importance is the Group’s oversight of safety standards across all its operations, with a global target of zero accidents. In 2011, the Group flew over 108,500 hours worldwide.

For more information, please contact: