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Airbus Helicopters delivers the fifth EC145 to Peru's National Police

Lima, November 13, 2014

Peru’s Ministry of the Interior has now added the final EC145 helicopter to the modernized fleet of the National Police of Peru (PNP). The formal handover at the Police Aviation Unit facilities in El Callao was attended by both Peruvian and French officials, including Peru’s interior minister Daniel Urresti and Daniel Leimbacher, chief of the Central Air Command of the French Gendarmerie, along with representatives of Airbus Helicopters.

Five EC145s have been delivered in less than one year since the PNP first selected Airbus Helicopters as its partner to renew its helicopter fleet. The first four aircraft have already accumulated more than 800 flying hours in that time, performing a wide range of missions that demonstrate the EC145’s versatility and operational efficiency throughout Peru’s territory. In addition to surveillance operations and support for parapublic missions, the EC145 has proven itself to be a reliable and effective ally in the PNP’s fight against illegal mining in the Madre de Dios region on the border with Bolivia and Brazil. The helicopters have also successfully completed more than 20 sea rescue and MEDEVAC missions in Lima and Callao.

The deal for these new EC145s includes a technology transfer program that has already provided training for more than 14 pilots and 20 technicians of the PNP. In addition, the PNP and the French Gendarmerie – both operators of the EC145 – have been engaged in an operational exchange program to provide in-depth training on the tactical uses of these next-generation aircraft. This exchange is part of the cooperation agreement signed between the French and Peruvian interior ministries in the field of security and defense in October 2013. Just a few weeks ago, the PNP participated in high-mountain rescue exercises in the French Alps as part of this program.

Copyright Ministerio del Interior

The EC145 is the helicopter of choice in the light twin-engine category and is renowned worldwide for police and public service missions. With more than 500 units delivered to date, this helicopter serves in the police fleets of 26 countries – including France, where the Gendarmerie Nationale operates more than 15 units. The EC145 has also been a major success in the Americas, starting with the United States, where the government purchased 345 units to replace the Army’s UH-1Hs. In Latin America, the EC145 performs police and public service missions in a number of countries including Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil.

Powerful and versatile, the Airbus Helicopters EC145 is perfectly suited to the operating conditions in Peru, ensuring the success of missions in extreme conditions whether at sea level, in the jungle or up on the demanding Andean Plateau. With a payload capacity of more than 1.7 tons and a range of 370 nautical miles, the PNP’s new EC145s can transport up to 10 passengers. They are also equipped with PA systems, a siren and multi-frequency radios for hub-and-spoke communications. One of the helicopters features a state-of-the-art infrared camera. This new high-definition camera, the only one in the country, will transmit live images to the command center or ground units, which will optimize surveillance and civil security missions.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its customer centers and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Indonesian Army receives the first of 12 Airbus Helicopters light attack Ecureuil/Fennec family rotorcraft

Jakarta, 6 November 2014

The Indonesian Army has taken delivery of an Airbus Helicopters lightweight rotorcraft, the first in a fleet of 12 which will provide this military service with advanced capabilities in attack missions. Comprising six single-engine and six twin-engine versions, the helicopters are to be supplied through 2016.

These 12 rotorcraft from the Ecureuil/Fennec family will constitute an Indonesian Army light attack squadron. Based on Airbus Helicopters’ strategic industrial agreement with PT Dirgantara Indonesia, the mission equipment for the fleet – including machine guns and rocket launchers – will be installed by PT Dirgantara Indonesia at its in-country facilities in Bandung.
“These deliveries are aligned with our responsibilities from the Indonesian government to develop defense systems locally to augment the country’s defense capabilities,” said PT Dirgantara Indonesia President Budi Santoso.

© Hilkianus Silitonga

The Fennec helicopter – being the militarized version of Airbus Helicopters’ renowned Ecureuil rotorcraft family – has been performing combat, combat support, tracking, escort and training duties around the world, including Asia. This series of adaptable single- and twin-engine helicopters combines powerful light attack capabilities with highly cost-effective airframe and mission system solutions.

“Indonesia’s acquisition of the Fennec demonstrates this helicopter family’s suitability for operations in a full range of conditions, providing a highly maneuverable and agile platform with low detectability,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus Helicopters.

The Indonesian Army’s Fennec acquisition follows the Indonesian Air Force’s purchase of six EC725s in 2012. In the region, the Royal Thai Army also ordered a fleet of eight Fennecs for scouting missions in 2011.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia has a long-standing partnership with Airbus Helicopters for close to 40 years. It is the prime contractor for the Indonesian government in providing end-to-end services from helicopter sales, customization and completion to delivery and after-sales support on the full range of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft. PT Dirgantara Indonesia is also part of Airbus Helicopters’ supply chain, manufacturing the EC225 and EC725 tail booms and airframe assemblies for the worldwide market.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its customer centers and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Airbus Helicopters hands over Indonesia’s first EC725 for combat search and rescue missions

Marignane, 6 November 2014

Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first of six EC725 rotorcraft acquired by Indonesia for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions. Present at Airbus Helicopters’ Marignane, France facility to accept the aircraft included members of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, the Indonesian Air Force, as well as PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI). The 11-ton twin-engine helicopter will be delivered to the Air Force by mid-2015 after PTDI completes the mission equipment outfitting and customization at its Bandung, West Java facility.

“We are pleased to receive this first EC725 from Airbus Helicopters, which will allow us to complete it in the CSAR version to be handed over to the Indonesian Air Force,” said PTDI President Budi Santoso. “We will continue to work closely with Airbus Helicopters to ensure the on-time delivery of the remaining units, as we anticipate an additional order from the Air Force for 10 more EC725s to complete its squadron of 16 helicopters.”

When deployed by the Indonesian Air Force, the EC725 fleet will significantly enhance the military service’s CSAR capabilities, benefitting from the proven performance and durability of Airbus Helicopters’ latest member in its Super Puma helicopter family.

Copyright Eric Raz

The mission equipment integration and completion of these six EC725 will mark a new step in Airbus Helicopters’ well-established cooperation with PTDI, which includes a strategic industrial agreement and the Indonesian company’s role in Airbus Helicopters’ global supply chain.

The Indonesian Air Force has been a long-time operator of both the AS332 Super Puma and SA330 Puma rotorcraft, which were license-produced by PTDI since over 30 years ago. The partnership between PTDI and Airbus Helicopters has continued to grow, resulting in PTDI becoming a key supplier of tail booms and airframe assemblies of the EC225 and EC725 since 2008.

“Airbus Helicopters’ cooperation with PT Dirgantara Indonesia is exemplary,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus Helicopters. “Our delivery of the first EC725, with significant parts being first built by PTDI, underscores how our partnership continues to evolve, meeting Indonesia’s helicopter needs and further contributing to the progress of its aerospace sector.”

The EC725 entered service in 2005 and has already been selected by the military forces of France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Its reliability and capabilities have been confirmed in crisis areas that include Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting France’s role during NATO-led operations in Libya. Missions performed by EC725s range from combat search and rescue to special operations, tactical transport and medical evacuation, along with a full range of maritime roles.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its customer centers and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Indo Defence 2014: Indonesia acquires 11 Airbus Helicopters AS565 MBe Panther rotorcraft to enhance its anti-submarine warfare capabilities

Jakarta, 5 November 2014

The mission capabilities and cost effectiveness of Airbus Helicopters’ AS565 MBe Panther has been further validated by Indonesia’s order for 11 rotorcraft to be used in naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions.

Scheduled for deliveries within three years, the AS565 MBe helicopters will be supplied by Airbus Helicopters to PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Through the strategic industrial agreement between these two partners, PT Dirgantara Indonesia will be outfitting these rotorcraft in-country with mission equipment before delivery to the Indonesian Navy. The mission equipment include the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar and torpedo launching system – providing a truly effective mission system for operations from land bases and ships.

“The Panther now becomes one of the world’s most capable light/medium anti-submarine warfare platforms, with an advanced ASW suite and the capability to operate from corvettes or small frigates,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus Helicopters. “This fully-capable, modern solution meets the naval requirements of Indonesia and other countries in the region, benefitting from our partnership with PT Dirgantara Indonesia and the industry’s best system suppliers.”

Copyright Marine Nationale

This order will add to the Indonesian Armed Forces’ fleet of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft serving the country’s defense on land, at sea and in the air. The fleet includes the light EC120 Colibris for training; the Fennecs and BO-105 for light attack missions; the Panthers for anti-submarine warfare missions; and the Pumas and Super Pumas operated by the Air Force who will soon also receive the EC725 for combat search and rescue missions.

The agreements were secured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia as a result of its long-standing cooperation and strategic alliance with Airbus Helicopters. The President of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Budi Santoso explained, “This latest contract demonstrates the strength and efficiency of our commercial and industrial partnership with Airbus Helicopters. Together, we are able to identify and deliver the most modern and cost-effective solutions for the Indonesian Government and at the same time associate the significant involvement of the Indonesian industry.”

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its customer centers and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Indo Defence 2014: Airbus Helicopters’ successful cooperation with Indonesia delivers benefits to the military, parapublic operators and industry

Jakarta, 4 October, 2014

The highly fruitful Airbus Helicopters relationship with Indonesia takes center stage at Indo Defence 2014, where this long-term cooperation’s advantages for Indonesian military services, parapublic operators and industry will be highlighted at the exposition in Jakarta.

During the 5-8 November event, Airbus Helicopters’ exhibit is to focus on its beneficial relationship with PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace, which has grown to include the in-country production of components and aerostructures, licensed assembly, mission equipment outfitting and completion. Also to be highlighted is the country’s growing fleet of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft for the Indonesian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Basarnas national search and rescue agency which spans the company’s light, medium and heavy product lines.

“Our partnership with Indonesia strengthens the country’s security, builds relationships with industry and contributes to Airbus Helicopters’ global supply chain,” explained Ludovic Boistot, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Indonesia. “Indonesia is without a doubt, one of the most important markets driving the helicopter industry today.”

Indonesia’s military inventory – which today includes Airbus Helicopters’ EC120 Colibri, AS330 Puma, AS332 Super Puma, and the legacy BO105 – is being further strengthened with the 2014 delivery startup of 12 rotorcraft from the Ecureuil/Fennec family, comprising six single-engine and six twin-engine versions for attack missions; along with six EC725s that will soon be delivered for the Indonesian Air Force’s search and rescue duties. In the public services sector, national search and rescue agency, Basarnas, has been operating two units of the AS365 N3 Dauphins for a year now.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia has been handling the sales responsibilities of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft in the country and performing mission equipment installation and customization at its facilities in Bandung.

“PT Dirgantara Indonesia has been an outstanding partner with us for the past 30 years,” continued Boistot. “Their capabilities are very well showcased through all the projects that we have collaborated in, and we look forward to many more years of success together.”

Visit Airbus Helicopters during Indo Defence 2014 at Hall D, exhibit stand D043.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its customer centers and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Western Power Distribution Selects Airbus Helicopters' EC135 P2

• With the selection of this aircraft, Western Power Distribution now expands its fleet to five EC135s
• The EC135 series is the most widely used aircraft across the UK’s Emergency Services and National Resilience market

Oxford, UK, 30 October 2014

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has signed a purchase agreement for a new EC135 P2e from Airbus Helicopters UK. The aircraft, selected against a demanding requirement, will join WPD’s four current EC135 P1s, making it one of the largest, independent fleets in the UK.

Robin Tutcher, WPD’s Helicopter Unit Manager said: “Augmenting the existing fleet has become a necessity because our helicopters play a major role in assisting with the fault diagnosis, maintenance and the management of the WPD electricity network. This additional aircraft will help us to increase our current annual flying levels from 2,800 to 3,500 hours.

Copyright Western Power Distribution

“With a proven track record, minimal downtime and limited maintenance input which is complemented by ongoing support from the Airbus PBH and Pratt and Whitney FMP programmes, the selection of the EC135 P2 as our fifth aircraft was a straightforward decision.”

Due to be delivered in March 2015, the EC135 P2e meets WPD’s tough requirements thanks to its extended range and simple, multi-purpose design which allows for fast and easy maintenance and optimal dispatch reliability.

Scarcely two weeks after the order by another customer for two EC135 T3 for the Air Ambulance role, the selection by WPD strengthens Airbus Helicopters position as the market leader in National Resilience with 70% of the market.

“The increased capability EC135 P2e provides WPD with an aircraft to meet their most critical mission requirements, directly supporting them to keep their 7.8 million customers on line,” said Colin James, Managing Director at Airbus Helicopters UK. “As the UK’s premium rotorcraft supplier, it is very important for us to be supporting our country’s infrastructure providers where we can. We will ensure that WPD continues to benefit from an aircraft and a support service which guarantees the very highest levels of availability.”

About Western Power Distribution
Western Power Distribution (WPD) is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales, and is responsible for delivering electricity to approximately 7.8 million customers in the UK. WPD is not an electricity supply company and does not bill customers in the UK. Its responsibility is to distribute electricity from the point of generation to homes and businesses.

About Airbus Helicopters UK Limited
Airbus Helicopters UK Limited – Britain’s civil helicopter hub – and its predecessors have been present and highly active in the United Kingdom for 40 years, dominating the civil rotary-wing sector. Its contribution to the aerospace sector of the national economy includes the development of police aviation with a 75 percent market share, a 70 percent share of the air ambulance sector, and well over 50 percent of the offshore oil and gas market.
Airbus Helicopters UK Limited 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 rotary-wing sector, including prime contractor for the RAF Puma Mk2 upgrade and support programmes.
Some 450 Airbus helicopters form the largest part of the UK's helicopter fleet and the backbone of vital national infrastructure, with approximately 100 helicopters serving the UK Ministry of Defence for transport, training and high end operational missions. To date, Airbus Helicopters UK Limited has exported high technology helicopter solutions to 23 nations worldwide. The Airbus group employs more than 1500 people across the British Isles.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its customer centers and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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The Royal Thai Navy and Air Force acquire five EC645 T2 and two EC725 rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters

Marignane, France, 22 October, 2014

The airborne capabilities of Thailand’s navy and air force will be significantly enhanced with the acquisition of two mission-ready Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft types: the light-utility EC645 T2 and the 11-ton-class EC725.

The Royal Thai Navy signed for five EC645 T2s to be deployed on transport duties and other missions, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016. Its purchase represents the first export order of this militarized version of the EC145 T2, which is the newest and most powerful model in Airbus Helicopters’ proven EC145 light twin-engine helicopter family.

In the Royal Thai Air Force’s reorder of Airbus Helicopters’ EC725, the military service is obtaining two of the tactical transport rotorcraft for SAR/CSAR (search and rescue/combat search and rescue) missions, operating from Wing 2 at Lop Buri Air Base in Thailand’s Lop Buri Province. These aircraft will be provided in 2017, joining the four previously-ordered EC725s booked in 2012 for deliveries from 2015.

© Airbus Helicopters, Eric Raz

“By acquiring both the EC645 T2 and EC725, Thailand will be operating two of the most capable helicopters in their categories, delivering high levels of mission flexibility with their modern avionics and rugged airframes,” said Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters’ Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific.

The EC645 T2 features a modern digital cockpit and a 4-axis autopilot. With a maximum take-off weight of 3.7 tons, the helicopter is powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2E powerplants equipped with dual-channel full authority digital engine controls (FADEC). Operational safety is enhanced by Airbus Helicopters’ Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, particularly for landings and takeoffs in confined landing sites, as well as during loading/unloading on the ground while the rotor is turning.

© Airbus Helicopters, Anthony Pecchi

The EC725 is a highly capable twin-engine helicopter with a digital 4-axis autopilot and five-blade composite main rotor. It can perform multiple missions that range from combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport and aeromedical transport to logistic support and naval duties.

Currently operated by the military forces of France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand and soon in Indonesia as well, the EC725’s reliability and durability has been confirmed in such crisis areas as Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting French troops during NATO-led operations in Libya.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its customer centers and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact: