Corporate

AeroVironment and Eurocopter to Evaluate Potential Joint Opportunities for Expanding their Product Portfolios, Markets and Capabilities

– AeroVironment, Inc., (NASDAQ: AVAV) the world’s highest volume manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and Eurocopter, the leading global helicopter manufacturer, today announced at the Association of the United States Army annual meeting that they have signed a cooperative agreement to explore opportunities for expanding their respective military and commercial product portfolios.

“The combination of AeroVironment’s market leading unmanned technology and unique knowledge with Eurocopter’s world-class helicopter and systems expertise makes a formidable team,” said Roy Minson, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. “This cooperative agreement creates the opportunity for both companies to explore expanding into new markets and developing new capabilities to meet future customer needs.”

“AeroVironment’s extensive operational UAS experience in delivering to end-users reliable solutions working effectively in harsh operating environments makes us uniquely positioned to understand customers’ requirements and to determine future market trends,” said Clive Schley, Eurocopter’s senior vice president, strategy and company development. “This cooperation will be particularly valuable as Eurocopter defines its unmanned product strategy, building on the success of our first unmanned flights with the EC145 helicopter this year.”

AeroVironment developed the first hand-launched unmanned aircraft for military surveillance in 1987. Since that time, the company has won every U.S. Department of Defense competition for small UAS programs of record, and has delivered more than 20,000 new and replacement small unmanned air vehicles to customers within the United States and to more than 20 international governments. The company has also integrated its secure Digital Data Link communications architecture into air, sea and land vehicles, including manned and unmanned airplanes and helicopters, to enable control of its UAS from those platforms and provide access to the information they produce.

Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world, with more than 11,780 rotorcraft in service across 148 countries. Overall, Eurocopter helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet.
The company’s expertise in system development and integration is applied across its current helicopter products to ensure their mission flexibility and operational effectiveness, with additional advances being developed for the next generation of rotorcraft that will provide new levels of performance and efficiency.
Eurocopter’s ability to integrate unmanned flight capabilities into its helicopter family was validated this year by an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) demonstration program, which used an unmanned EC145 to fly routes that included deployment of an external sling load and a representative observation mission.

About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces, operates and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and electric transportation solutions. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s electric-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems extensively to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and communication. Multiple government agencies have helped to fund the development and demonstration of Global Observer®, a hybrid-electric, stratospheric UAS designed to provide affordable, persistent reconnaissance and communication over any location on the globe. Switchblade™ is a tactical missile system designed to provide a rapid, lethal, pinpoint precision strike capability with minimal collateral damage. AeroVironment’s electric transportation solutions include a comprehensive suite of electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, installation and data services for consumers, automakers, utilities and government agencies, power cycling and test systems for EV developers and industrial electric vehicle charging systems for commercial fleets. More information about AeroVironment is available at www.avinc.com.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business. More information about Eurocopter is available at www.eurocopter.com

Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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First delivery of a Eurocopter EC130 T2 to the Commonwealth of Independent States

Eurocopter has provided the initial EC130 T2 to a customer in Kazakhstan, introducing this enhanced version of its single-engine EC130 helicopter to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and further expanding the company’s presence in a region where demand for rotorcraft is rapidly growing.

The milestone EC130 T2 is configured for passenger transport, and was delivered this month from Eurocopter’s headquarters in Marignane, France.

“We are very proud to have provided this initial EC130 T2 to Kazakhstan, demonstrating the dynamics of the CIS market,” commented Laurence Rigolini, CEO of the Eurocopter Vostok subsidiary. “We are confident the owner will be impressed by the EC130 T2, which combines the largest cabin of any single-engine helicopter with enhanced performance. It is perfect for passenger transportation, sightseeing and VIP duties that are developing in the CIS, as well as the region’s medical and surveillance missions.”

(© Eurocopter Vostok)

The multifunctional EC130 T2 has a spacious cabin for one pilot and up to seven passengers. In addition to its improved performance, a number of enhancements enable easier maintenance and longer inspection intervals.

More than 70 percent of the EC130 T2’s airframe structure has been modified in comparison to the existing EC130 B4. New and updated features include the use of a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded main gearbox; the incorporation of an active vibration control system; improved air ventilation, distribution and demisting systems; a cabin interior structure redesign with a full flat floor; a cockpit update for enhanced man-machine interface; new energy-absorbing seats that improve weight and balance for passenger loading; integration of a crashworthy fuel tank; and increased maintenance accessibility for electrical and air conditioning systems.

The EC130 T2 performance was improved to have a higher maximum gross takeoff weight (2,500 kg. for internal loads, and 3,050 kg. when external loads are carried) and a speed increase of up to 10 kts. Even with these enhancements, the EC130 T2’s external sound level remains within the strict rules for flights at America’s Grand Canyon National Park – an important factor for tour operators around the world.

Optional features on the EC130 T2 are a new-generation air conditioning system, tinting of the helicopter’s wrap-around windshield, and a right-hand sliding passenger door. The air conditioning system includes design optimization for improved performance, effective hot/cold temperature control, and better air distribution. Derived from the system on Eurocopter’s EC175 seven-ton-class helicopter, it uses a simple control box with straightforward operating logic similar to climate control units on automobiles.

Eurocopter Vostok, which is a 100-percent wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter SAS, was created in 2005 to provide sales and customer support, and to implement fleet follow-up in Russia and the CIS. More than 140 Eurocopter helicopters currently are operating throughout Russia and the CIS countries – bringing the Eurocopter Group’s share of the Russian and CIS gas turbine market for Western turbine-engine helicopters to more than 70 percent.

As part of its CIS presence and long-term commitment to the region, Eurocopter also has developed a strong partnership with Kazakhstan – establishing the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering at joint venture Astana International Airport for helicopter assembly and customization, along with maintenance, support and training services.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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The Eurocopter Foundation Joins Forces with NGO World Vision Mexico to Provide Support in Zones Affected by the Recent Catastrophes in Mexico

The Eurocopter Foundation and NGO World Vision Mexico have joined forces to distribute food and humanitarian aid to the communities affected by Hurricane Ingrid and Tropical Storm Manuel. This agreement provides 30 helicopter flight hours to reach communities in the most devastated regions of the country, inaccessible by land.

In order to assist those affected by the recent storms that affected multiple areas of Mexico, the Eurocopter Foundation has teamed up with the NGO World Vision Mexico.

“The hurricane left various communities in a dramatic situation, which is further aggravated by the inability to access these zones by land,” said Martha Yaneth Rodríguez, General Manager of World Vision Mexico. “Helicopters are undoubtedly an excellent alternative, enabling us to get humanitarian aid to totally devastated and inaccessible zones.”

This humanitarian organization collects and distributes food and basic necessities and is one of the entities working together with the Mexican authorities under the Civil Emergency Plan for natural disasters, known as the DN-III Plan.

The operations began last September 28 with a reconnaissance flight by an EC120 in the state of Veracruz.

“It is hugely satisfying for Eurocopter to see first-hand how our helicopters are helping those most in need and drastically affected by these hurricanes,” said Guillaume Faury, Chairman of the Board of the Eurocopter Foundation. “The provision of support to humanitarian organizations forms part of our company’s fundamental values and we are quite content with this first urgent humanitarian action by our foundation together with World Vision Mexico.”

Meanwhile, on October 3, World Vision Mexico began its operations in Guerrero, the state worst affected by the tropical storms, with an EC130 B4. Based at the NGO’s operational center in Ometepec, this helicopter has already airlifted more than a ton of food and personal hygiene items to people living in Ometepec, Cuajinicuilapa and Xochistlahuaca.

About World Vision Mexico
Since 1982, World Vision Mexico has been working to foster community development in the regions within its scope through Area Development Programs (ADPs) that promote transformational development with an emphasis on children’s rights. It also provides rapid responses in the event of emergencies and natural disasters affecting the population.
World Vision is a global relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. We are members of World Vision International.
For more information: www.worldvisionmexico.org.mx/ayudaguerrero// and wvi.org/region/latin-america-and-caribbean

About Eurocopter Foundation (www.eurocopterfoundation.com)
The Eurocopter 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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City of Nagoya orders Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin for firefighting and rescue services

Eurocopter Japan has signed a contract to supply Nagoya with an AS365 N3+ Dauphin for operation by the Nagoya City Fire Bureau as an upgrade for the service’s existing helicopter resources. Delivery of this new rotorcraft is planned in 2015 to the Pacific Coast city of Japan, which is the country’s fourth most populous urban area.

The Nagoya City Fire Bureau has been using Eurocopter products for over 40 years since introducing helicopters into its equipment inventory, and it currently operates two AS365s. The aircraft are used for firefighting, disaster prevention, emergency medical transport and rescue missions.

Including this contract, Eurocopter Japan has booked four orders this year for Dauphin family helicopters – involving the AS365 and EC155 versions. Nagoya’s contract follows orders received so far in 2013 from Hyogo Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture and the Metropolitan Police Department.

(© EurocopterJapan, Chikako HIRANO)

“We are greatly honored to have signed another contract with city of Nagoya, with which we have a long-standing relationship that spans more than 40 years,” said Stephane Ginoux, the President and CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “This fourth Dauphin family order in 2013 demonstrates a strong endorsement for our services in Japan. We are committed to offering the best and most comprehensive support and service to meet our customers’ needs.”

The 4.5-ton class AS365 N3+ is part of Eurocopter’s Dauphin family, and is a highly popular helicopter type for firefighting services, disaster relief organizations, police agencies as well as news media in Japan and around the world. Currently, more than 50 AS365s are operated in Japan.

Eurocopter leads the Japanese firefighting segment with a 60 percent market share, thanks to its wide range of products, in-country support and services network. Popular models used for firefighting and disaster relief missions in Japan include the AS365, the Super Puma family, and the BK117 – which is a light twin-engine helicopter developed jointly with Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

About Eurocopter Japan
Established in 2009, Eurocopter Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of Eurocopter, a division of EADS. It is the first foreign affiliated aircraft manufacturer to carry out direct sales, training, and customer support activities in the Japanese aeronautical sector. There are about 280 employees allocated at four bases, including Tokyo and Kobe. With more than 50 years of in-country presence, Eurocopter Japan confirms its leadership position with a 54 percent market share overall in Japan (for the turbine helicopter market, not including defense).
Eurocopter Japan makes Japan’s sky safer, more reliable and cost-efficient by providing high quality products and services.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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Two customers sign up for the VIP version of Eurocopter’s EC175 twin-engine, medium-class helicopter

London, England, September 26, 2013 Eurocopter has signed two customers for the VIP version of its EC175, with these bookings coming only six months after the twin-engine, medium-class helicopter was introduced to the upper-end market with a specially designed elegant and luxurious interior.

Eurocopter has signed two customers for the VIP version of its EC175, with these bookings coming only six months after the twin-engine, medium-class helicopter was introduced to the upper-end market with a specially designed elegant and luxurious interior.

The two firm orders were announced by Eurocopter today at the U.K. Helitech International exposition in London. Both rotorcraft are to be delivered to the unnamed customers in 2016.

“This market response underscores the EC175 VIP’s unparalleled elements of style and comfort,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “It combines the largest cabin of any medium-sized twin-engine helicopter with a superior level of interior cabin creativity from Pegasus Design’s Peder Eidsgaard, whose worldwide reputation results from his work on business jets and super yachts.”

© Eurocopter, Amelie Laurin)

Features of the EC175 VIP include a unique cabin layout with two seating areas. The forward zone provides a lounge atmosphere with facing club seating position for four passengers, while an aft sofa-style seat comfortably accommodates three passengers. Options include electrochromatic windows, an in-flight entertainment system with audio and video interfaces, and wireless connectivity via satellite communications links.

Eurocopter offers the EC175 VIP in three different styles, all accommodating from six to eight passengers. Cabin outfitting and completion of EC175 VIP helicopters will be performed by Eurocopter at its Marignane, France production and delivery facility, providing the company’s full resources for this top-of-the-line rotorcraft.

The EC175 is Eurocopter’s new medium-class, twin-engine helicopter, offering excellent range, performance and cruise speeds, while also meeting the most demanding operational safety standards. It was developed through extensive consultation with operators and end-users, resulting in an optimized rotary-wing aircraft with the latest state-of-the-art technology.

In all versions, the EC175 provides a jet-like smooth ride at all speeds and a climate-controlled cabin – even when the main rotor is stopped. Featuring more window area than walls, the rotorcraft ensures panoramic views for all passengers, and it completes the upper end of Eurocopter’s helicopter product line for the business and private aviation sectors.

To date, Eurocopter has received total bookings for 48 EC175s. Certification of the helicopter is targeted for early 2014, with the first customer deliveries following during the year.

Eurocopter has the widest range of helicopters tailored for VIP and high-end market operators. Eurocopter is the leader in business and private aviation with 500 helicopters delivered to these sectors during the past five years.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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PDG Helicopters’ Squirrel fleet attains 200,000 flight hours as the Scottish on-shore helicopter operator marks its 40th anniversary

London, England, September 25, 2013 The expanding Squirrel fleet in service with PDG Helicopters has reached a combined flight time of 200,000 hours, demonstrating the rotorcraft family’s reliability for the most demanding service and its flexibility across a full range of on-shore operations throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The expanding Squirrel fleet in service with PDG Helicopters has reached a combined flight time of 200,000 hours, demonstrating the rotorcraft family’s reliability for the most demanding service and its flexibility across a full range of on-shore operations throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The milestone was celebrated today on Eurocopter’s exhibit stand at the Helitech International exposition in London, with PDG Helicopters Chairman Timothy Laing joining Markus Steinke, CEO of the Eurocopter UK subsidiary.

“We are proud of our long-term relationship with PDG Helicopters, Scotland’s main onshore operator, and are fully committed to support this operator in its daily missions,” Steinke said. “We have created a true partnership, and look forward to working together over the next decades and beyond.”

© Eurocopter, Amelie Laurin)

PDG Helicopters began operations in 1973 in Scotland and purchased its first AS350 (Squirrel) family’s AS350 single-engine rotorcraft in 1985, with the company’s fleet now including the single- and twin-engine AS350, AS355, AS365 and EC135 versions.

“We’ve set new standards in helicopter operations with our Squirrel fleet, and PDG Helicopters has become synonymous for delivering reliable, quality service in all areas of light/medium helicopter usage,” Laing explained. “The Squirrel is ideal given its ability to switch roles very rapidly from utility operations to comfortable passenger transport. As we mark our 40 years in business, our company looks forward to consolidating its dominant position in aerial operations.”

PDG Helicopters’ AS350B2s deliver much of the company’s lifting services, undertaking such tasks as moving live salmon smolts, along with transporting steel and concrete for construction projects. These rotorcraft also provide emergency cover for utility companies and are regularly involved in renewing assets and stringing line between pylons, as well as moving bulky loads to difficult locations.

The AS355 has become the aircraft of choice for aerial survey, asset management and passenger transport, with its inventory increasing during the past several years. These rotorcraft are heavily-involved in aerial survey across the United Kingdom, and in conjunction with one AS365, support the movement of personnel. Both helicopter types also have played prominent roles in many highly acclaimed film productions.

PDG Helicopters relies heavily on logistical support from Eurocopter, as many of its operations are time critical. Consuming about £1 million of spare parts annually, the relationship is fundamental and constantly evolving following the operational needs.

Operating from bases at Inverness, Cumbernauld, Wolverhampton and Dublin, PDG Helicopters covers the entire United Kingdom and Ireland, moving people and materials while providing an increasingly sophisticated aerial survey service through its sizeable investment in a range of advanced camera systems.

About Eurocopter UK Ltd.
Eurocopter UK Ltd, Britain’s civil helicopter hub, and its predecessors have been present and highly active in the United Kingdom for over 30 years, dominating the civil rotary wing(rw) sector. Its contribution to the aerospace sector of the national economy includes the development of police aviation leading to a 75% market share, air ambulances (70% share), and well over 50% of the offshore oil and gas market. Eurocopter UK Ltd is headquartered in Oxford, with additional bases in Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Hawarden (Wales) and Aberdeen (Scotland) and provides the full range of products and services for the rw sector, including prime contractor of the RAF Puma Mk2 programme. Some 450 Eurocopter helicopters form the biggest part of the UK's helicopter fleet and the backbone of vital national infrastructure such as 100 helicopters serving the UK Ministry of Defence for transport, training and high end operational missions. Eurocopter enjoys a reputation for innovation, high quality and a strong customer service ethos. To date, Eurocopter UK Ltd has exported helicopter High-Tech solutions to 23 nations on all continents.The Eurocopter group employs more than 1600 people across the British Isles.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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Eurocopter International Services and Starlite Aviation Ireland expand their partnership with operational quality management support

London, England, September 25, 2013 Operational Quality Management Support (QMS) for Starlite Aviation Ireland’s growing helicopter fleet will be provided for another year by Eurocopter International Services (EIS) under terms of a new contract announced today at the Helitech International exposition in London.

Operational Quality Management Support (QMS) for Starlite Aviation Ireland’s growing helicopter fleet will be provided for another year by Eurocopter International Services (EIS) under terms of a new contract announced today at the Helitech International exposition in London.

This extends an agreement signed in September 2012 for a complete support package provided to the Irish-based operator by Eurocopter International Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter. As part of the package, a quality manager from Eurocopter International Services will work with Starlite Aviation Ireland at its various operational locations.

“EIS understand our needs and have up to date knowledge of the regulations, which provide added value for our demands,” said Alan O Neill, Director and Accountable Manager for Starlite Aviation Ireland. “We’ve received an excellent service from a very professional and experienced team within EIS Consulting to which I am grateful. It is on this basis that I am happy to sign another year’s agreement for the continuation of these related services.”

© Eurocopter, Amelie Laurin)

Starlite Aviation offers a wide range of helicopter services to international clients around the world, providing the transportation of passengers and freight, along with executive transportation. The company recently received JAR OPS 3 NVIS approval from the Irish Aviation Authorities – the first of its kind in Ireland and one of only a few within Europe – a joint effort by both the Starlite and EIS Consulting teams. This approval will further enhance Starlite’s operations while providing 24/7 HEMS services of the highest quality to the European Union Law Enforcement Mission in Kosovo. It will also help to increase safety standards for the company’s wide array of operations.

Also as part of its fleet growth, Starlite Aviation Group is acquiring two AS332 C1e helicopters – the latest version of Eurocopter’s popular Super Puma medium-weight helicopter – with an option for two more. First deliveries will take place before the end of 2013, following certification by airworthiness authorities. The AS332 C1e configuration ensures shorter production lead times, with highly competitive operational and maintenance costs in service.

Eurocopter International Services delivers flexible field assistance and consulting services in the areas of regulation, safety, quality management, operations, maintenance, training and costs. It is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

“Providing ongoing QMS enables EIS to build on the already successful relationship between Eurocopter and the Starlite Aviation Group,” explained Mark Fitzgerald, Head of EIS Consulting. “With the expertise to also provide Safety Management and Environment Management Systems, EIS Consulting Services demonstrates the commitment by Eurocopter to provide customers with a complete support package.”

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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