Corporate

NHV orders six additional EC175s from Airbus Helicopters

Anaheim, California, 25 February 2014

Noordzee Helicopters Vlaanderen (NHV) has ordered six more Airbus Helicopters EC175s, increasing its acquisitions of the new-generation rotorcraft to 16. NHV is an EC175 launch customer, booking its first contract for 10 of the mid-sized, twin-engine helicopters in 2012.

“We – NHV and our customers – having experienced the EC175’s performance first-hand, have full confidence in the helicopter’s capability to meet NHV’s operational needs and in Airbus Helicopters’ ability to deliver on its program commitments,” said NHV CEO Eric Van Hal. “This second EC175 acquisition also continues our strategy of owning and operating a young fleet with the most modern systems, which enhances NHV’s mission capabilities and contributes to safe operations. Following the EC175’s recent certification, we look forward to the start-up of deliveries with this latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ product line in the heavier mid-sized rotorcraft category.”

Based in Ostend, Belgium, NHV is specialized in business-to-business aviation services. Its helicopters are deployed to nine different countries on three continents. NHV’s missions range from services for the oil and gas industry to heli-lift duties for harbor pilots, wind farm operators, governments and hospitals.

(©Anthony Pecchi 2012)

Based in Ostend, Belgium, NHV is specialized in business-to-business aviation services. Its helicopters are deployed to nine different countries on three continents. NHV’s missions range from services for the oil and gas industry to heli-lift duties for harbor pilots, wind farm operators, governments and hospitals.

Deliveries of NHV’s first EC175 is planned later this year.

“There is no better endorsement than a reorder – especially from an operator with such demanding mission requirements and high standards as NHV,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury. “NHV can count on the full resources of Airbus Helicopters for its EC175 service introduction.”

Airbus Helicopters has committed significant resources to ensure optimized aircraft maturity and a successful entry in service for the EC175, supported by a dedicated task force and tools that include validated support and services deliverables, along with the establishment of training capabilities. As part of this strategy, the company is locating the first EC175 Level D full-flight simulator in France.

The EC175 has been certified to the latest airworthiness standards, covering both the helicopter and its new Helionix® avionics suite – which provides increased safety through reduced pilot workload, enhanced situational awareness, improved flight envelope protection and system redundancy.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s latest PT6 engine, developed specifically for this helicopter– the PT6C67E version – the EC175 has become the industry’s benchmark medium-sized twin-engine rotorcraft across a full range of missions, including transport duties in oil and gas operations, corporate and executive transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and public services.

Contributing to the EC175’s competitive edge is its speed and comfort. At a cruise speed of 165 kts., the helicopter operates with extremely low vibration levels.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
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 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 brings a new vision, enhanced product line and innovative service solutions to Heli-Expo 2014

Anaheim, California, 22 February 2014

Heli-Expo 2014 will mark Airbus Helicopters’ first major rotorcraft industry event in its new identity, with the company showcasing an evolved product line, diversified service offerings and a strategy that reflects its core changes.

"Under our new name, Airbus Helicopters, we have redefined our priorities. We are committed to new standards with respect to customer satisfaction, quality and safety, and competitiveness," said Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury. “We’re implementing these priorities by placing our efforts on product reliability and availability, the reduction of lead times and production costs, and integrating the Airbus Group’s standards of quality – all while setting new standards in the helicopter industry in the key domain of aviation safety.”

To be announced at the exposition’s Anaheim Convention Center venue is Airbus Helicopter’s upgraded version of its proven EC225 Super Puma: the EC225e. This new variant responds to operators’ requirements for extended-range missions – particularly in support of deep-water oil and gas airlift duties.

Airbus Helicopters’ next-generation EC175, which received European certification in January, will be represented at Heli-Expo with the display of a high-fidelity full-scale mockup in the corporate configuration. To support the EC175’s service entry, dedicated resources will be available to customers, including spare parts inventories and on-site technical assistance.

By the time EC175 deliveries begin later this year, the initial pilots will have received training on a flight navigation procedure training (FNPT) and Level D full-flight simulator – both located in Marignane and operational in spring and summer 2014, respectively. As the fleet expands, other EC175 full-flight simulators will be deployed in close proximity to regions where customers are introducing the aircraft into service.

Also exhibited at Heli-Expo is the new EC145 T2, to be certified and delivered in 2014. This latest evolution of the EC145 is equipped for the first time with Airbus Helicopters’ signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, as well as upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes. Operators of the EC145 T2 will have access to a service portfolio that includes training and operations, system and software maintenance, and turnkey solutions. An EC145 T2 full-flight simulator will be deployed at Donäuworth, Germany in 2015.

Another helicopter making its Heli-Expo debut is the AS332 C1e, representing the company’s approach to offering standardized helicopter versions that respond to multi-role mission needs. This enables a streamlined production process for reduced delivery lead times while incorporating modern avionics and system improvements. Features of the AS332 C1e include the glass cockpit, four-axis autopilot and associated automatic flight control system from the EC225 Super Puma, which provides flight envelope protection, unrivalled precision and stability in even the harshest operating conditions.

Joining these helicopters on Airbus Helicopters’ exhibit in Anaheim will be the EC135 T2 in a law enforcement configuration for the Massachusetts State Police, and an EC130 T2 with a glass cockpit.

Another emphasis of Airbus Helicopters’ Heli-Expo 2014 presence will be the company’s comprehensive support and services portfolio, which is tailored to meet operators’ unique requirements. On display will be exhibits dedicated to support for new aircraft and the Helionix avionics system (now incorporated in the EC175 and EC145 T2), training and operations, helicopter upgrades, and e-services such as the Keycopter® customer portal.

Airbus Helicopters’ Heli-Expo 2014 exhibit stand will be located in Hall A, Booth 523 in the Anaheim Convention Center during the February 25-27 event.

Follow all of Airbus Helicopters’ activities at this major helicopter industry gathering, including daily announcements and feature stories, by visiting the dedicated website at: http://events.airbushelicopters.com

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
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 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 to supply seven helicopters to Spain’s Traffic Department

Albacete, 17 February 2014

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Spanish Traffic Department to supply a total of seven helicopters: four AS355NP Ecureuils and three EC135s, with the latter aircraft to be operated by Spain’s National Police Force. Delivery will begin in 2014 with one EC135 and one AS355NP and will be completed in 2016.

Spain’s Traffic Department (DGT) has been operating helicopters built by Airbus Helicopters since 1970 (under the previous company names Aerospatiale and Eurocopter), and was the first unit of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior to work with these aircraft. Its fleet of 18 helicopters is used for surveillance, traffic regulation and highway patrols from its central headquarters in Madrid and peripheral patrols throughout Spanish territory (excluding Catalonia and the Basque Country).

Airbus Helicopters España CEO Francisco Vergé expressed his great pride in winning the contract, as for him it “constitutes a further vote of confidence by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior in our helicopters, which make up their entire fleet and have proven their worth on a range of different missions.”

(© L.Vizcaíno-2009)

With the addition of these four twin-engine AS355NP Ecureuil helicopters, the DGT will become one of the largest fleet operators of this model in the world, continuing its commitment to this reliable, safe and sturdy helicopter, which boasts excellent handling and ease of maintenance.

Meanwhile, the fleet of EC135 helicopters operated by the Police’s Aerial Services will be increased to 16 aircraft. This will reinforce the presence of this aircraft in Spain, where it has consolidated its role in recent years as a multi-purpose vehicle for law enforcement forces and agencies (including the Guardia Civil, Police and Traffic Department). As well as being the Spanish helicopter of choice for MEDEVAC services, the recent contract signed with the Spanish Ministry of Defense also proves that the EC135 is perfect for military flight training and humanitarian missions carried out by the Military Emergency Unit.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
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 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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PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Airbus Helicopters to jointly develop local support and services capabilities for Indonesia

Singapore, 12 February 2014

The long-established cooperation of PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Airbus Helicopters will be expanded to include support and services for the users of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed today at the Singapore Airshow.

This MoU covers maintenance, repair and overhaul for the various Airbus Helicopters products operated within Indonesia – in particular, the AS365 Dauphin, EC725 Cougar and AS350/AS555 Fennec rotorcraft acquired by the country’s government.

The agreement was signed by Budi Santoso, President Director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, and Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury.

(© Airbus Helicopters - Karen Winter - 2014)

"PT Dirgantara Indonesia’s cooperation with Airbus Helicopters results from a long term relationship built on trust, and each company will support the other with this new strategic collaboration for the mutual benefit of both parties," Budi Santoso said.

“We’re opening another chapter in a highly successful cooperation that is important for Airbus Helicopters’ global industrial footprint,” Faury added. “PT Dirgantara Indonesia is one of our cornerstone partners, and I look forward to pursuing this new aspect of our relationship together.”

The two companies’ partnership began in the 1970s with PT Dirgantara Indonesia’s licensed production of the N-BO105 helicopter – of which 120 were built in-country. It subsequently was widened with licensed production of the N-SA330 Puma and N-AS332 Super Puma rotorcraft.

Additionally, the Indonesian company has been supplying upper and lower fuselage sections and tail booms for the EC725/EC225 since 2012 for a total production currently set at 125 shipsets. It also serves as the customization and delivery center for AS365 N3+ Dauphin, EC725 Cougar and AS350/AS555 Fennec helicopters ordered by the Indonesian government through PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

About PT Dirgantara Indonesia (www.indonesian-aerospace.com)
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is an Indonesian state owned enterprise that was established in 1976. PTDI manufacturing site is in Bandung, Indonesia. The company main products are aircrafts; aircraft structure component; aircraft services; and engineering. PTDI Assembly Lines produce various types of CN235 under TC for civil or military transport; maritime patrol, surveillance, and coast guard. Other than those, the Assembly Lines also produce under licenses the NC212-200, NAS332 Super Puma and NBell412-AH. Under the Strategic Agreement with Airbus Military, PTDI Assembly Line produce NC212-400 and PTDI Delivery Center finalize CN295.

PTDI has delivered over 400 aircraft to 49 civil and military operators. PTDI Manufacture produces aircraft parts, components, tools and fixtures for A320/321/330/340/350/380 of Airbus, for MK2 and EC725 of Euro copter and for CN235, C212-400 and C295 of Airbus Military. PTDI Aircraft Services provides maintenance, overhaul, repair, alteration and logistic support for CN235, Bell412, BO-105, NC-212-100/200, NAS332 Super Puma, B737-200/300/400/500, A320, Fokker 100, and Fokker 27. PTDI Engineering provides engineering and analysis and flight simulators.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
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 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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Nepal’s Shree Airlines expands its Airbus Helicopters fleet with the delivery of a new AS350 B3e rotorcraft

Paris, France, 28 January, 2014

Singapore, 11 February 2014 – Shree Airlines today received the first of five AS350 B3e rotorcraft ordered last year from Airbus Helicopters, expanding this Nepal-based operator’s capabilities for passenger transport and utility missions throughout the region.

The new AS350 B3e was formally presented to Shree Airlines at the Singapore Airshow, where this helicopter is on display at the Changi Exhibition Centre. As a member of Airbus Helicopters’ popular Ecureuil rotorcraft family, the AS350 B3e excels in hot conditions and at very high altitudes.

Shree Airlines currently has one AS350 B3e in its inventory, and will use the expanded Airbus Helicopters fleet for services that include search and rescue, aerial work and disaster relief missions in Nepal. It also plans to expand passenger transport and utility mission operations into the neighboring countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar in the future.

(© Shree Airlines)

“Airbus Helicopters is ready to support Shree Airlines as it develops services in one of the world’s most challenging operating environments,” said Derek Sharples, the Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia. “It can count on the AS350 B3e’s capabilities, as well as the full resources of our technical hub in Singapore.”

When deliveries of all five new AS350 B3e rotorcraft are completed, Shree Airlines will be the largest operator of this model in Nepal. The proven capabilities of this aircraft are well demonstrated in this country where 95% of single-engine multi-role helicopters come from the AS350 family.

“We look forward to growing our business with the AS350 B3e. Its enhanced performance fits well with our strong focus and commitment towards providing safe and high quality services to our private and governmental customers, along with multinational organizations that include the United Nations,” explained Shree Airlines Managing Director Sudhir Mittal.

Today, some 5,600 Ecureuil-family rotorcrafts have been delivered by Airbus Helicopters to approximately 1,600 operators in 130 countries. These aircraft have accumulated a total of more than 26 million flight hours. The AS350 B3e has a maximum speed of 287 km/h and with standard tank a range of 638 km, with a maximum endurance of nearly 4.5 hours.

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 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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Humanitarian aid from the sky: Airbus Helicopters’ Foundation partners with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Crisis Center

Marignane, France, 30 January 2014

The Airbus Helicopters Corporate Foundation today expanded its humanitarian outreach, signing a high-level agreement on heliborne airlift support for French government-coordinated operations at international natural disaster sites and in other emergency situations.

This accord establishes a partnership with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Crisis Center, and offers helicopter transportation services from operators chartered by the Airbus Helicopters Corporate Foundation. The agreement was signed today in Paris by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Guillaume Faury, President of Airbus Helicopters and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Airbus Helicopters Corporate Foundation (formerly Eurocopter Corporate Foundation). The signing took place at the opening ceremony of the 8th Conference on the Security of French Companies Overseas, which this year takes economic diplomacy as its theme and which underscores the close relations between companies operating in international markets and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“With this important agreement, the Airbus Helicopters Corporate Foundation brings a new dimension to its activities – providing vital airlift to those in need during times of humanitarian crisis,” explained Guillaume Faury. “Our partnership builds on assistance already deployed by the Foundation as part of France’s response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines last November.”

For future emergency situations, the Airbus Helicopters Corporate Foundation will secure airlift services from operators, with the capacity used on missions that are mutually agreed with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Crisis Center.
More information on the Airbus Helicopters Corporate Foundation is available on its website: www.fondationairbushelicopters.com.

About Airbus Helicopters Foundation
The Airbus Helicopters Corporate Foundation was created in 2012 as an independent, apolitical and non-profit legal entity that unites the company’s humanitarian activities under one framework with a focus on emergency response; aid for developing countries; aid for the ill, handicapped, and those living in extremely difficult conditions; and youth development through the transfer of aeronautical know-how.

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Airbus Helicopters aims high with new branding and a strategic transformation

Paris, France, 28 January, 2014

Eurocopter closed out a 20-year history of rotorcraft leadership with increased deliveries of 497 helicopters in 2013. Renamed Airbus Helicopters, the company opened 2014 with the certification of its new EC175 and the implementation of an ambitious customer-driven transformation plan.

“We enter 2014 with a transformation plan that is being applied across the company and responds to customers’ evolving expectations,” explained Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury. “In parallel, the Airbus Helicopters rebranding provides a reference for greater ambition, inspired by the Airbus Group’s values and excellence.”

A key focus of the transformation plan will ensure product maturity, while delivering the best level of mission capabilities and offering reliable, efficient support and services. Quality is an essential element in Airbus Helicopters’ transformation, involving the implementation of standard processes and tools, along with a further drive to deploy lean cultural change.

(© Eurocopter / Lorette FABRE-2014)

Faury reaffirmed the vital importance of safety for Airbus Helicopters, placing its technologies and expertise at the service of customer safety. As part of initiatives in this area, Airbus Helicopters will begin delivering the EC130 T2 this year with the Vision 1000 data monitoring and cockpit imaging system, which follows its pioneering use on Ecureuil family helicopters.

Competitiveness improvements resulting from the company’s transformation plan will capitalize on the “favorite mission configuration” concept for Airbus Helicopters’ products that reduces lead-times and improves cost-effectiveness – contributing to the company’s sustainable development and growth.
Airbus Helicopters’ highlights for the coming 12 months include the delivery start-up of its new EC175, which successfully completed the certification process yesterday – to be followed by the type certificate’s issuance within the next several days. The EC175 marks Airbus Helicopters’ first application for its state-of-the-art Helionix® avionics, which enhances safety and operability.

Also to be certified in 2014 is Airbus Helicopters’ new EC145 T2, which incorporates Helionix avionics as well, while increased production rates will be implemented for the military NH90, Tiger and EC725 helicopters during the year.

For the next-generation of Airbus Helicopters now in development, the company will be applying new levels of crew-machine interface, automation and system integration – further enhancing flight safety.

With an industry-leading 497 helicopters delivered in 2013, representing an increased 46 percent market share in the civil and parapublic market, Airbus Helicopters confirmed its global leadership.

2013 at a glance

• Airbus Helicopters delivered nearly one out of two civil rotorcraft provided worldwide.
• Civil helicopter activities represented 55 percent of the company’s turnover; military activities accounted for the other 45 percent.
• Product turnover was 58 percent of the total, with services accounting for 42 percent.
• The EC225 returned to service with all operators worldwide.
• 72 percent of deliveries were to customers outside of Airbus Helicopters’ home countries (France, Germany and Spain).

The 422-helicopter order intake in 2013 by product range

• EC120/Ecureuil/Fennec/EC130 family: 211
• EC135: 61
• EC145: 61
• Super Puma/Cougar EC225/EC725 family: 33
• Dauphin/Panther/ EC155 family: 17
• EC175: 5
• NH90: 34

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 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: