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Airbus Helicopters shows strong presence with latest helicopter generation at ILA 2014

EC145 T2 and NH90 NFH naval helicopter to feature in flight demonstration

Berlin, May 15, 2014

Airbus Helicopters’ presence at the ILA Berlin Air Show reflects over four decades of helicopter manufacturing in Germany. Their exhibition features a range of brand-new models such as the EC145 T2 and EC135 T3 aircraft, as well as the NH90 NFH naval helicopter and the legendary BO105. Besides offering visitors an insight into its comprehensive service portfolio, Airbus Helicopters will also showcase the extent of its innovative solutions by demonstrating products including Helionix®, its latest generation avionics suite.

“Airbus Helicopters has well-established roots in Germany and has been working closely with civil and governmental customers for decades,” says Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Germany. “The German Armed Forces, state and federal police forces, rescue organizations and private companies all rely on our helicopters. We make every effort to preserve this trust and to offer our customers products and services of the highest quality and safety standards at competitive rates.”

Taking center stage among the Airbus Helicopters aircraft on display in Berlin will be the NH90 NFH, the most modern and versatile naval helicopter on the market, which will take to the skies during several flight demonstrations at the ILA. The NH90 NFH was specifically designed to meet the requirements of several NATO countries and is equipped with the latest systems for military operations and search and rescue missions. Already in service in five European countries – Italy, France, Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands – the NH90 NFH Sea Lion is also planned as a replacement for the 40-year-old Sea King fleet of the German Armed Forces.

 
(© Airbus Helicopters, Charles Abarr 2013)

The EC145 T2 will also be on show as part of the flight demonstration. Airbus Helicopters’ latest model, entirely developed and produced in Germany, received EASA certification in mid-April; the first orders are due to be delivered to customers in the summer. Airbus Helicopters has already taken over 100 orders for civil and military versions of the new helicopter model. Features that distinguish the EC145 T2 from the previous EC145 model include its new engines, shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor, performance-enhanced transmission and expanded cockpit with digital Helionix avionics suite. Helionix is a new generation of helicopter on-board electronics with four-axis autopilot that support pilots in flight and provide significantly improved situational awareness. By reducing the pilot’s workload in this way, Helionix allows them to better focus on the various requirements experienced during operative missions, thereby making a major contribution to flight safety.

The EC135 T3/P3 is the latest upgraded version of the EC135, and is due to be delivered to the first customers this year. The new model’s improved features include increased flight performance in hot and high environments and in single-engine situations (or OEI, One Engine Inoperative). This was achieved by enlarging the rotor, changing the air intake and modernizing the FADEC engine control software. In addition to its new, enhanced cockpit design, the EC135 T3/P3 also has a higher maximum take-off weight and improved rates of climb at sea level.

Airbus Helicopters’ presence at the air show also pays tribute to the BO105, a legend of helicopter construction in Germany that is celebrating a fleet milestone at this year’s ILA. There are currently some 700 aircraft in operation worldwide. With the introduction of its hingeless main rotor head the BO105 – which was first certified in 1970 – paved the way for the bearingless rotor systems of today's helicopters. Then as now, the BO105 is characterized by its unique maneuverability – as demonstrated, for instance, in the impressive aerobatic demonstrations, including loops, that visitors will be able to witness at the ILA.

Airbus Helicopters also offers customers a wide range of services throughout the life cycle of their aircraft – available worldwide and around the clock. At ILA Berlin, the company will highlight its by-the-hour services and support packages for materials and logistics, among others.

You will find Airbus Helicopters at the Airbus Group Pavilion, Chalet West 8-14 at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport exhibition location. Latest news and pictures from the show will be available online at www.events.airbushelicopters.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 over 40% 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 subsidiaries 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 Group delivers 300th on-time, on-budget UH-72A Lakota helicopter to U.S. Army

EC145 T2 and NH90 NFH naval helicopter to feature in flight demonstration

May 14, 2014

COLUMBUS, Miss. ─ Airbus Group today delivered to the Army the service's 300th UH-72A Lakota helicopter. Every Lakota has been delivered – on time and on budget – by an American workforce that is more than 50 percent U.S. military veterans.

The Lakota is manufactured at the company's Airbus Helicopters, Inc. facility in Columbus, Miss., where Col. Thomas Todd, Army Project Manager for Utility Aircraft, accepted delivery of the 300th aircraft.

"Airbus has an established record of on time or ahead of schedule aircraft deliveries,” said Col. Todd. “Their Columbus facility has recorded a nine year record of excellence.”

 
(© Diane Bond)

Since the UH-72A contract was competitively awarded in 2006, the company has delivered the Lakota in seven different configurations for missions including training, border security, search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response, VIP transport and range support. Five aircraft are also in service with the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, which trains Navy, Marine Corps and Army test pilots.

Army officials have recently indicated plans to modernize the service's rotorcraft training fleet with the UH-72A.

"The Lakota was competitively selected eight years ago because it was an easily adaptable solution for a broad range of mission requirements, with a low-risk design that allowed the Army to save taxpayers millions in development costs," said Allan McArtor, Chairman and CEO of Airbus Group, Inc. "Industry should be in the business of enabling and supporting that kind of smart decision-making for our customer."

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant praised the partnership that the state has formed with Airbus Group in delivering a critical capability to the U.S. military. “Almost a decade ago, Airbus made an investment in Mississippi and its people, raising a world-class aerospace manufacturing facility out of a green field,” Gov. Bryant said. “That investment has paid off not just for the company, but for the men and women of the Army and for the Mississippi families who are positively affected by the company’s presence in our state.”

Members of Congress who spoke at the delivery ceremony commended the Lakota workforce for its commitment to quality and exceptional record of performance.

(© Copyright Diane Bond)

"I applaud the efforts of Airbus to hire veterans to help build the Lakota here in the United States,” said U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller, representative for Florida’s First District and Chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “Veterans prove they can get the job done as a civilian workforce and understand first-hand what our warfighters need and deserve; that shows in the care and performance they put into this program."

"From day one, you have delivered on your promise to the taxpayer and the warfighter: every aircraft on time and on budget," said U.S. Congressman Alan Nunnelee of Mississippi's First District. "That's the kind of reliable performance that the Department of Defense needs now more than ever. And it’s the kind of dedication that is the hallmark of the Mississippi workforce."

"The Army's Lakota and the proud Americans who build it set an example that all federal acquisition programs should follow," said U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, who represents the state's Third District. "Particularly at a time of fiscal constraint, performing on time and on cost should be the rule, not the exception."

The UH-72A offers the lowest cost to buy, own and operate of any U.S. military helicopter in production, with a baseline unit cost of just $5.5 million. The Lakota fleet recently passed the 200,000 flight hour milestone, and it maintains greater than 90 percent availability with full contractor logistics support.

The 300th Army Lakota will serve with the Missouri National Guard. The aircraft was delivered in the Security and Support (S&S) Battalion configuration, which expands the UH-72A’s capabilities for missions ranging from disaster response to border security operations.

The S&S configuration includes an electro-optical and infrared sensor, searchlight, digital video recorder, secure data downlink and moving map. Lakotas equipped in the S&S configuration are serving with Army National Guard units across the country, including extensive operations along the U.S. southwest border for border security and drug interdiction.

Legal Disclaimer
Contracts referenced in this release are held and performed by Airbus Defense and Space, Inc.

About Airbus Group, Inc.
Airbus Group, Inc., formerly EADS North America, is the U.S.-based operation of Airbus Group, a global leader in aerospace, defense, space and related services. Airbus Group contributes more than $14 billion to the U.S. economy annually and supports over 225,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers. Airbus Group, Inc., headquartered in Herndon, Va., offers a broad array of advanced solutions to meet U.S. military and commercial requirements, including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, homeland security systems, public safety communications, defense electronics and avionics, and threat detection systems.

About Airbus Group
Airbus Group is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2013, the Group – comprising Airbus, Airbus Defense and Space, and Airbus Helicopters – generated revenues of € 59.3 billion and employed a workforce of over 144,000.

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“SonAir takes delivery of a new EC225 from Airbus Helicopters for oil and gas missions in Africa”

Marignane, France, 5 May 2014

Airbus Helicopters’ EC225 presence in the African oil and gas heli-lift market will expand following delivery of an additional workhorse rotorcraft to SonAir, which is to deploy this long-range helicopter on operations in Angola.

A handover ceremony today in Marignane, France marked the EC225’s delivery, with this latest aircraft joining SonAir’s Airbus Helicopters-built fleet of heavy helicopters that already includes 11 EC225s, four AS332 L2s and three AS365 N3s.

As a subsidiary of the Sonangol Group – a structured aviation service provider in Angola, and the largest African helicopter operator – SonAir will utilize the newly-delivered EC225 in oil and gas transport duties with an existing customer.

 
(© Airbus Helicopters / Thierry Rostang-2014)

SonAir is in the process of adding a total of five additional EC225s to its inventory, three of which will be leased from Milestone Aviation Group, while two others will be owned outright by SonAir, permitting the company to initiate heli-lift business with three new partners and two existing customers.

“The expansion of SonAir’s EC225 fleet underscores their confidence in this powerful helicopter for highly-demanding missions,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury. “It reinforces our long term relationship and our commitment to fully support their growing activity in Africa.”

Joining today’s EC225 delivery ceremony were executives that included SonAir CEO João Andrade.

“By growing our fleet, SonAir will benefit from the EC225’s performance, range and power,” Andrade explained. “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with one of the best aircraft in oil and gas helicopter transportation.”
The EC225 is an 11-ton-class rotorcraft in Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family. With more than 300,000 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.

About SonAir
SonAir Serviço Aereo, SA, a subsidiary of Sonangol Group, is a structured aviation operator in Angola, using both helicopters and planes, providing services to all major oil & gas companies as its core business and also to the State as complementary business. SonAir started as an aviation department and today, after 35 years in the industry operates a fleet of over 25 helicopters. SonAir´s mission is to provide safe and reliable air transportation services, assuring an optimal economic balance. SonAir is today the largest African helicopter operator and 90 percent of the fleet is dedicated to the Oil and Gas, flying both offshore and onshore. The onshore flying is also supported by fixed wing activity. The workforce rounds about 1000 employees, mainly nationals: the expat workforce is less than 15 percent. Internationally, SonAir also offers a closed charter, direct service from the US to Angola dedicated to the Energy industry. Our vision is to be the leading operator of air transportation in support of the national Oil and Gas Industry, with regional expansion, acting safely, with quality and competitively.

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 over 40% 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 subsidiaries 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 partners with IAS for the first maintenance centre in Western and Central Africa to be certified by a helicopter manufacturer

A partnership agreement for the certification of the region’s first Airbus Helicopters- maintenance center was signed today with the Abidjan-based company International Aircraft Services (IAS) at the ShieldAfrica 2014 exhibition

Marignane, May 6 2014

Firmly committed to the development of services situated in proximity to its operators, Airbus Helicopters today announced that it has certified the Abidjan maintenance center operated by International Aircraft Services (IAS), the largest civil helicopter operator in Western and Central Africa. Equipped with all the necessary operational resources, the center will service the AS365 and AS350 models from the famous Dauphin and Ecureuil families.

With more than 670 helicopters in service in Africa, and nearly 130 of them in Western and Central Africa, Airbus Helicopters is pursuing its international development, becoming the first helicopter manufacturer in this vast region to make available to its customers an entire maintenance and support center certified “Operational & Intermediate” (O&I) level.

“We welcome this new partnership with IAS, which underscores our commitment to providing localized support for our customers operating in the region,” said Loïc Porcheron, Airbus Helicopters’ Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. “This maintenance center will increase the availability of their fleet of helicopters, while guaranteeing affordable maintenance costs.”

 
(© IAS)

“We are very happy with this agreement, which brings a genuine international dimension to our organization and which will also allow us to create more opportunities with the region’s countries,” commented IAS CEO Hugues Moreau. “This partnership will see Airbus Helicopters’ customers being offered a complete range of services that will encompass technical and operational support as well as the maintenance of their aircraft.”

Airbus Helicopters has a network of more than 90 approved maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centers on the five continents. This new maintenance center will provide the region’s operators with a service bearing all the quality hallmarks of Airbus Helicopters.

About International Aircraft Services
Located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the IAS (International Aircraft Services) Group, has been providing helicopter services to its clients in Africa for over 30 years. With a fleet of over 20 Airbus Helicopters aircrafts, IAS remains the largest civil helicopter operator in West and Central Africa, specializing in offshore and onshore crew changes, VIP transport, medical evacuations, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, cargo transport and finally, helicopter maintenance. As of 2014, IAS has been certified as an official Airbus Helicopters Maintenance Center allowing regional customers complete maintenance for their aircrafts.

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 over 40% 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 subsidiaries 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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Versatility and cost efficiency of Airbus Helicopters’ range displayed at ShieldAfrica 2014

Marignane, 30 April 2014

With more than 670 of its rotorcraft operating across the African continent, Airbus Helicopters’ presence at next week’s ShieldAfrica exhibition will spotlight the role of its product line in serving this evolving market’s varied missions.

“The designed-in versatility of our aircraft is demonstrated daily in Africa, where they are deployed on demanding missions in some of the world’s most difficult operating conditions,” explained Loic Porcheron, Airbus Helicopters’ Vice President for Africa and Middle East. “Adding to their reliability are the competitive maintenance costs and operational effectiveness for which our products are known worldwide.”

The Airbus Helicopters fleet in Africa is utilized by 200 operators, who deploy the rotorcraft in roles that range from military, parapublic and law enforcement missions – particularly border patrol, search/rescue, natural disaster relief and anti-poaching duties,- to Oil and Gas transportation, emergency medical airlift, as well as private and executive transportation.

 
(© Anthony Pecchi – 2011)

These operations are backed by Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to customer support, which includes proximity presence through its subsidiary in South Africa as well as service centres.

To be displayed by Airbus Helicopters at ShieldAfrica are scale models of its light single-engine AS350 Ecureuil, medium-weight AS365 Dauphin and multi-role AS332 Super Puma. The company will be co-exhibiting with International Aircraft Services, an Abidjan-based helicopter services provider whose Airbus Helicopters-built fleet is composed of the AS365 Dauphin, AS355 Ecureuil and SE316 B Alouette rotorcraft types. The company is already performing the maintenance of the AS365, which is used by the Presidency of Ivory Coast.

The ShieldAfrica exhibition is being held May 6-8 at the Ivory Coast’s National Police Academy at Abidjan.

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 over 40% 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 subsidiaries 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 completes deliveries of EC135s to Turkey’s THK Gökçen Aviation for emergency medical services

This operator’s fleet now totals 17 of the twin-engine rotorcraft

Donauwörth, Germany, 29 April 2014

Critical-care airlift services from Turkey’s THK Gökçen Aviation are now at their full-up capability following completion of Airbus Helicopters’ delivery of EC135 to this commercial arm of the Turkish Aeronautical Association.

Handover of the milestone EC135 occurred at Airbus Helicopters’ Donauwörth, Germany production facility, where the twin-engine rotorcraft is assembled.

The EC135 already has demonstrated its capabilities in THK Gökçen Aviation’s emergency medical services (EMS) missions, as more than 2,000 flight hours have been logged since the helicopter’s 2013 service introduction with the operator. THK Gökçen Aviation is utilizing its EC135s in the framework of a five-year EMS contract with the Turkish Ministry of Health.

 
(© Airbus Helicopters, Charles Abarr)

“This rapid fleet build-up – with all helicopters phased in during 12 months – confirms the operational excellence of THK Gökçen Aviation, and also validates the EC135’s capabilities as the reference rotorcraft for EMS operations,” said Olivier Lambert, Airbus Helicopters’ Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations.

With their 17 EC135 helicopters THK not only increase their mission capability but are also able to assure the Turkish population the best service in any conditions. Moreover, THK has established important MRO facilities together with their subsidiary Asal Aeronautics.

“Our EC135s are performing very well, with high reliability levels in the full range of operating conditions across Turkey,” added Osman Yildirim, President of THK.

The EC135 combines a wide, unobstructed cabin with excellent performance, range and payload capacity – along with low-noise operations. Its oversized sliding side doors and rear clamshell doors enable fast loading/unloading of patients – with additional safety during ground operations ensured by Airbus Helicopters’ signature shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor.

About THK and ASAL Aeronautics
THK is known for their excellent operational capabilities thanks to the biggest fleet of firefighting aircraft, two fixed wing aircraft for air ambulance, three business jets and various types of single and multi-engine aircraft.
ASAL Aeronautics is located at Isparta airport. Their MRO facilities are located in the center of the southern part of Turkey which is convenient for operators in and around Turkey. ASAL MRO facilities are capable of providing both base and line maintenance with certified engineers, technicians and tools. All personnel were trained at Airbus Helicopters’ facilities.

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 over 40% 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 subsidiaries 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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EASA certifies Airbus Helicopters’ EC225 gear shaft redesign

Marignane, France, 22 April 2014

The redesigned vertical bevel gear shaft for Airbus Helicopters’ EC225 has been certified, enabling its production and installation on all rotorcraft of this type in operation globally, as well as those being produced. 

Certification was granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is to be followed by validation from other international airworthiness authorities.

Manufacturing of the redesigned gear shaft is underway, allowing worldwide implementation on concerned aircraft in service and in production, starting in the second semester of 2014.

 
(© Airbus Helicopters, Patrick Penna)

“Airbus Helicopters has put a very high priority on developing this new shaft for the EC225. EASA’s certification is a major milestone towards getting our customers flying with the final solution,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President – Engineering.

The new design eliminates all three factors that, in combination, had caused two unexpected vertical shaft ruptures. It provides corrosion resistance, compensates for residual stress and eliminates stress hot spots.

Following two EC225 controlled ditchings in the North Sea in 2012 and the suspension of part of the aircraft’s fleet, precautionary and preventive measures were immediately developed by Airbus Helicopters and successfully implemented by operators, leading to a full return to service.

As the latest evolution of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family, more than 200 EC225/725s have been delivered to 35 operators, accumulating more than 350,000 flight hours. Tailored for the most demanding operators, the workhorse EC225 is an 11-ton helicopter integrating all of the latest technological innovations.

For additional information, visit the EC225 Knowledge Center: http://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 over 40% 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 subsidiaries 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: