Corporate

Bringing power to Italy: Terna receives two Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3e rotorcraft to support the country’s electrical grid

Marignane, 22 October 2014

Italian electrical transmission grid operator Terna has taken delivery of two Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3e rotorcraft to perform surveillance and maintenance support for power lines that deliver electricity throughout the country.

These two Ecureuil family helicopters were delivered by Airbus Helicopter’s long term Italian distributor, Aersud Elicotteri, who won Terna’s tender and will retrofit some of the equipment required by the customer.

The new aircraft provide Terna with its own resources to conduct airborne operations, enabling the company to provide such services rather than relying on subcontractors.

© Sandro Miranda-2014

Terna is the leading independent European company in kilometers of electrical lines managed, and ranks sixth worldwide. Through its Terna Rete Italia subsidiary, it manages a national transmission grid encompassing more than 63,500 km. of high voltage lines, with the responsibility for dispatching power and safely managing the balance between electrical demand and supply.

The deployment of helicopters for surveillance and maintenance of electrical transmission grids provides multiple advantages, including the ability to visually inspect approximately 300 km. of power lines daily, a quick-reaction capability in detecting and evaluating failure or problems, and the ability to reach difficult or inaccessible areas – all while minimizing the environmental impact.

As the high-performance member of Airbus Helicopters’ Ecureuil family, the AS350 B3 outclasses all other single engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety and competitive acquisition and maintenance costs. It can be configured – and easily reconfigured – with a long list of certified equipment for utility missions, and has the lifting power capacity, endurance and maneuverability for the most demanding missions, including hot-and-high operations.

The enhanced AS350 B3e version includes the more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine with a longer lifecycle and lower maintenance costs, a new FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), avionics that feature Airbus Helicopters’ VEMD (Vehicle Engine Multifunction Display) and engine data recorder, along with an improved interior design and tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting.

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:

Airbus Helicopters’ EC135 T3 Receives EASA Certification

New version raises the bar in performance, safety and reliability

Donauwörth, October 20, 2014

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the new EC135 T3 by Airbus Helicopters, completing a new and important chapter in the development history of the EC135.

Following in the footsteps of the successful EC135 T2+/P2+, the EC135 T3/P3 again sets new standards in terms of performance, safety and reliability for the EC135 family of helicopters. This new version, like the previous ones, will offer the most competitive operating costs in this helicopter class. The nearly 1,200 EC135 helicopters delivered as of today have clocked up over three million flight hours world-wide.

“When it comes to rescue missions, police surveillance, trips to and from oil platforms, wind park maintenance or private transport, the EC135 T3/P3 upholds our promise to continuously improve our products,” said Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Germany. “This helicopter embodies tomorrow’s requirements – not only in terms of performance and safety, but also of reliability and efficiency.”

© Airbus Helicopters, Charles Abarr

The EC135 T3/P3 offers more than 200 kg of additional payload in hot & high conditions. Compared to the previous version this helicopter performs better at sea level, allowing up to 70 kg more payload for single engine/CAT performances. Its tried-and-trusted safety standards match those of the EC135 T2+/P2+.

Notable technical improvements in the EC135 T3/P3 include a larger main rotor for more lift, and lateral air inlets for greater efficiency. The new FADEC software provides optimized engine control and the cockpit features the fully integrated navigation, communication and GPS avionics solution GTN 750 from Garmin.

Previous EC135 versions can be fully retrofitted to bring them up to the technical level of the new EC135 T3/P3. Airbus Helicopters offers special retrofit packages that are based on the flight hours of each helicopter.

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:

Successful implementation of the new redesigned shaft on first EC225s/EC725s

Airbus Helicopters is working hand-in-hand with operators to efficiently carry out the retrofit on the global fleet

Marignane, France, 16 October 2014

Airbus Helicopters is working alongside operators of its EC225 and EC725 aircraft to implement the final step of its proven solution: the retrofit of the worldwide EC225/EC725 fleet with the redesigned bevel gear vertical shaft, which was certified in April of this year.

Since the previous safety measures were put in place in July 2013, the oil & gas fleet has progressively returned to full service and has successfully flown more than 80,000 hours. With the introduction of the new shaft, the previous safety measures and corresponding maintenance actions are no longer necessary.

The retrofit involves 260 helicopters and will span approximately 18 months in order to safely and efficiently equip all in-service helicopters with the redesigned shaft. A dedicated industrial organization has been set up to minimize the impact on customers. Some 50 aircraft are flying with the redesigned shaft and have accumulated more than 5,000 hours.

© Airbus Helicopters / Anthony Pecchi

“Airbus Helicopters is dedicated to ensuring the safe and high-performing operations of our customers,” said Marie-Agnes Veve, head of the Super Puma and EC225/EC725 programs at Airbus Helicopters. “Our skilled teams are fully mobilized and working closely with them around the world to carry out the retrofits of their EC225s/EC725s in the most efficient manner possible.”

The retrofit is carried out by module or main gear box exchange either during standard maintenance activity or proactively as organized with customers.

In addition, all new EC225/EC725 helicopters are delivered with the redesigned shaft installed.

The EC225/725 is an 11-ton-class rotorcraft and the latest evolution in Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family. With more than 375,000 flight hours logged in worldwide service to date, it is deployed in duties ranging from offshore transportation and cargo airlift to search and rescue (SAR), parapublic operations and military missions. More than 200 EC225/725s have been delivered to 35 operators.

For more information, please visit the EC225 Knowledge Center at www.ec225news.com.

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:

Airbus Helicopters launches new service offers to secure repair cycles

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 October 2014

To better serve customers and deliver Airbus Helicopters’ best support and services offering, the company has launched a comprehensive improvement effort that is yielding visible results for customers.

Airbus Helicopters has improved to 98% the level of planned spares orders delivered on time worldwide. In addition, two new improved repair and overhaul services are now available, delivering secured lead times to customers.

These enhancements were unveiled today during the Helitech International 2014 exposition and conference in Amsterdam, where Airbus Helicopters is participating at the RAI conference center (Stand #J60, Hall 8).

© Airbus Helicopters / Lorette Fabre

Airbus Helicopters’ extended Secured Standard Exchange policy responds to the needs of customers whose missions require maximum availability, offering them the possibility of immediately exchanging a part needing repair or overhaul with another serviceable part. The result is optimal operational availability and minimal maintenance downtime – enabling operators to keep their aircraft in the air. Ecureuil family helicopters are the first to benefit from the extended policy of Secured Standard Exchange both for dynamic components and equipment, before extension to other aircraft in the Airbus Helicopters range.

For its second initiative, Airbus Helicopters is introducing a Secured Turnaround Time (TAT) service, of 45 days for equipment repair and overhaul – easing customer maintenance operations, reducing downtime and providing better predictability. This service first focuses on equipment for Dauphin and Super Puma helicopter families, currently covering 400 part numbers, and ensures customers that a serviceable part will be available for them after 45 days, regardless of the normal repair cycle. The secured TAT will be further expanded over the course of the coming year to the rest of the commercial range and to a wider range of items, including dynamic components.

“With these steps, we are ‘going the extra mile’ by giving customers peace of mind and taking strong commitments to secure their operations,” said Matthieu Louvot, Airbus Helicopters’ Senior Vice President of Support and Services. “This is being achieved by continuously improving helicopter reliability and availability, as well as strong investments in the performance of our logistic and repair system.”

As part of Airbus Helicopters’ overall support and services improvements, the company is boosting its spares service level. More than 100 million euros have been invested to expand stocks around the world.

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:

Airbus Helicopters and Priority 1 Air Rescue bring their training cooperation to Helitech International

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 October, 2014

The teaming of Airbus Helicopters and Priority 1 Air Rescue for search and rescue (SAR) mission training is being highlighted by the two companies’ joint presence at the Helitech International exposition and conference in Amsterdam.

With courses for both pilots and crew, this mission training combines the full resources of Airbus Helicopters as one of the world’s leading rotorcraft manufacturers with the emergency response instruction capabilities of Priority 1 Air Rescue, a leader as well in its domain.

“Ensuring the highest levels safety for operators is an essential element of Airbus Helicopter’s support and services strategy,” explained Hervé Berriet, General Manager of the Airbus Helicopters Training Center. “By joining with Priority 1 Air Rescue, we are providing world-class SAR training across the full range of missions flown by our operators – wherever they may be in the world.”

Courses offered include SAR mission planning, hoist operation, flood/swift water rescue, mission mountain/vertical surface cliff rescue, maritime boat/vessel rescue, basic mission fast-rope, basic mission rappelling/abseiling, air medical evacuation, and basic utility external load operations/ aerial firefighting missions.

“Our teaming with Airbus Helicopters ensures that customers receive instruction of the highest quality, adapted to their specific needs,” said Brad Matheson, the President of Priority 1 Air Rescue.

Representatives from Priority 1 Air Rescue and Airbus Helicopters Training Services will be present during the Helitech International exposition this week (Amsterdam‘s RAI exhibit center, Stand #J60, Hall 8), for briefings on their joint training offering.

About Priority 1 Air Rescue
Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR) is solely focused on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Tactical rotorcraft mission support. Training programs are CAA compliant and approved, and include all aspects of ground instruction, virtual SAR/aerial gunnery simulation, tower, and flight practice for aircrews involved in SAR operations, Tactical law enforcement, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) missions. Mission training programs have been successfully delivered for over 15 years and employed in real-world situations to more than 3,500 students around the globe.

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:

Avincis finalizes order for two EC135 T3s with Airbus Helicopters

The two latest-version aircraft will support Bond Air Services’ EMS operations in the UK.

Amsterdam, Netherlands, 15 October 2014

Airbus Helicopters is proud to build on its partnership with Avincis, a Babcock International Group company, with an order for two latest-generation EC135 T3s for emergency medical service (EMS) operations.

“Air ambulances save lives every day.  Adding these new EC135 T3s to our fleet will help us to deliver vital EMS missions for our customers,” said Martin Whittaker, Avincis Director of Fleet & Engineering.

Avincis’ subsidiary Bond Air Services will operate the two aircraft, which will be delivered in the summer of 2015.

Airbus Helicopters has a wide presence in EMS operations around the world, including a 70% share of this segment in the UK. The Airbus Helicopters UK customer center covers the full spectrum of sales and support throughout the lifetime of all the company’s helicopters in the region.  

“Airbus Helicopters continuously strives to offer aircraft that fully meet to the evolving needs of its customers, and this is precisely what we bring with the new EC135 T3/P3,” said Dominique Maudet, Executive Vice President of Global Business and Services at Airbus Helicopters. “With this order, we are proud to congratulate Bond Air Services on their success in UK EMS missions and further strengthen our longstanding partnership with Avincis.”

The EC135 T3/P3 is the latest-generation version of the company’s proven EC135 helicopter, and is perfectly suited for the demanding requirements of EMS and law enforcement missions, in particular thanks to its cabin size and rear clamshell doors, allowing for an ease of access. The main upgrades of the T3/P3 version (T3 with a Turbomeca engine and P3 with a Pratt & Whitney) are focused on a new main rotor design, new direct air intakes and new FADEC software. These technical improvements offer an increased Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), significant performance enhancement from AEO and OEI-CAT A from Sea Level to hot & high environments, and increased mission capability and versatility. This latest version of the EC135 was launched in 2013, and its type certification is expected for mid-October. The first delivery will take place later this month.

About Avincis
Avincis, a Babcock International Group company, is one of the world’s leading providers of aviation services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search & rescue, coast and city surveillance, firefighting and energy support services.  Based in the UK, Avincis provides central resources, safety and operating standards and systems and expertise to its operating companies who serve local markets and customers in Australia,  Cyprus, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK .  Of primary importance is Avincis’ oversight of safety standards across all its operations, with a global target of zero accidents. 

Avincis operates a fleet of around 350 aircraft and employs around 3000 people.  In 2013, Avincis flew over 98,500 hours worldwide, performed 51,450 emergency medical service missions, 6,350 firefighting missions, 2,100 seas and mountains rescues and transported 173,000 oil and gas engineers, technicians and other passengers.  Avincis also conducts maintenance for third-party clients on helicopter and fixed-wing contracts.
www.avincisgroup.com

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:

Recognizing innovation & responsive customer services: Airbus Helicopters receives the Outstanding Supplier Award from Erikson Helicopters

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 October, 2014

Exceptional customer support provided by Airbus Helicopters – along with Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) and Vector Aerospace – has been recognized with Erickson Helicopters’ Outstanding Supplier Award 2014.

The company’s innovative and responsive services were acknowledged during a ceremony at this week’s Helitech International exposition and conference.

“The strong relationship we have with Airbus Helicopters is crucial to meeting our company’s objectives as well as our own customers’ needs,” said Andrew Warren, Supplier Chain Manager at Erickson Helicopters.  “We look forward to further enhancing our business activities in the future.”

Airbus Helicopters supplies spare parts, tooling, dynamic component repair/overhaul, technical assistance and the training of pilots and maintenance personnel for Erickson Helicopters’ fleet of Puma, Super Puma and Ecureuil/Astar rotorcraft.

Airbus Helicopters / © Lorette Fabre

“A united Airbus Helicopters team has been essential in meeting the expectations of our customer Erickson,” explained Yahve Rosales, Senior Manager for Business Development at Airbus Helicopters. “This recognition is very important for us, particularly because it is tangible proof that the changes we have embarked upon as a company are indeed meaningful, and that our commitment towards excellence is stronger than ever.”

Brent Nicewonger, Sales Manager for the Utility and Tour markets at AHI added: “In working closely with the team at Erickson and with our colleagues within the Airbus Group, we are doing what it takes to put our customer’s needs at the center of our business. This award recognizes Airbus Helicopters’ firm commitment to customer satisfaction.”

Erickson Helicopters is a worldwide supplier of airlift services, operating both rotorcraft and airplanes.  Headquartered at Portland, Oregon in the United States, the company is active in markets that include the U.S., South America, Asia and Central Africa.

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: