Corporate

CORINE: Eurocopter and SME Partners Set to Roll Out Groundbreaking Eco-Design Tool

Marignane, September 25, 2013 Together with its SME and research partners, Eurocopter celebrates today the completion of the development of a groundbreaking eco-design tool at its industrial site in Marignane (Bouches-du-Rhône, France). The result of a collaborative project involving purchaser and suppliers, the new tool will allow the various stakeholders in the industrial chain to significantly enhance the environmental performance of their products.

Together with its SME and research partners, Eurocopter celebrates today the completion of the development of a groundbreaking eco-design tool at its industrial site in Marignane (Bouches-du-Rhône, France). The result of a collaborative project involving purchaser and suppliers, the new tool will allow the various stakeholders in the industrial chain to significantly enhance the environmental performance of their products.

With the support of the European Union’s LIFE+ Program, Eurocopter decided in 2009 to launch the CORINE project, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the supply chain by supplying SME partners with a simple, innovative and collaborative eco-design tool. A consortium was set up and brought together the European manufacturer Eurocopter, five SMEs (Bonnans.sa, Carbone Forgé, Expiris, REXIAA and Solution F), a company specializing in the development of environmentally friendly IT solutions (EcoMundo), the Regional Center for the Development of Advanced Materials (CARMA), its Italian counterpart LCE, and the Université du Var ISITV TVT.

Having worked together for nearly four years, the consortium has reached its objective of providing SMEs with an innovative tool that is easy to use and offers a range of eco-design options. Designed for the aerospace industry but adaptable to related sectors, the tool can also be used in wider-ranging environmental studies and in research projects.

“The challenge facing us was to provide a group of different SMEs with a simple tool adapted to their needs,” said Director of Eurocopter’s French Sites Gérard Goninet. “Bringing our partner subcontractors in on the development of the tool right from the start of the project has enabled us to embrace the highly creative ideas they came up with, to share their experiences, and to get a better grasp of some of the constraints they face.”

One of CORINE’s environmental objectives is to help reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, hazardous waste, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—particularly of carbon dioxide—throughout the supply chain.

In developing the necessary software, the consortium sought the assistance of EcoMundo. To prove the software’s effectiveness, technology demonstrators were created by the project’s industrial partners using benchmark materials and processes and their alternatives.


About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
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.

Partners of the project are:

EcoMundo: www.ecomundo.eu
Bonnans SA: www.bonnans.fr/
CARBONE FORGÉ: www.carbone-forge.com
CARMA: www.materiatech-carma.net/
EXPIRIS: http://expiris.bg.pagesperso-orange.fr/accueil.html
ISITV: http://isitv.univ-tln.fr/
LCE: www.studiolce.it/
REXIAA: www.rexiaa.fr
SOLUTION F: www.solutionf.com

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter teams with CAE to create an approved EC225 helicopter training center in Norway, featuring a Level D flight and mission simulator

London, England, September 24, 2013 CAE and Eurocopter today announced an agreement for an EC225 training facility in Norway, including a CAE 3000 Series Level D flight and mission simulator that will begin operation in 2015 as part of the Eurocopter-approved simulation center.

CAE and Eurocopter today announced an agreement for an EC225 training facility in Norway, including a CAE 3000 Series Level D flight and mission simulator that will begin operation in 2015 as part of the Eurocopter-approved simulation center.

The center’s new EC225 simulator will provide an unprecedented level of realism for pilot mission training – including flight profiles for the offshore oil and gas sector, search and rescue (SAR) operations and other complex scenarios for which simulation training is ideally suited. The EC-225 simulator will be equipped with a CAE Tropos-6000 visual system and a Eurocopter original simulation package.

The joint CAE/Eurocopter announcement was made in London at the U.K. Helitech International exposition.

“CAE is very excited and proud to be named an Approved Simulation Center for Norway. This marks the first time CAE and Eurocopter have announced a collaboration of this type, and it is a positive step for two industry leaders to cooperate to further enhance aviation safety in the helicopter industry,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. “We look forward to providing the highest quality flight and mission training in Norway, which is uniquely positioned to serve the oil and gas markets.”
Additionally, Eurocopter and its local representative, ØSTNES, intend to quickly extend the new Norway center’s capabilities by installing an AS350 helicopter full-flight simulator at the facility.

"Through our agreement with CAE, we will expand our world-class service and support network,” said Matthieu Louvot, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President Support & Services.
“We will provide Norway-based customers with pilot training that leverages the safest and most innovative technologies, and is closer to their bases of operation."

About CAE (www.cae.com)
CAE (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) is a global leader in modeling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defense. The company employs approximately 8,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in approximately 30 countries. CAE offers civil aviation, military, and helicopter training services in more than 45 locations worldwide and trains approximately 100,000 crewmembers yearly. In addition, the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy offers training to aspiring pilot cadets in 11 CAE-operated flight schools. CAE’s business is diversified, ranging from the sale of simulation products to providing comprehensive services such as training and aviation services, integrated enterprise solutions, in-service support and crew sourcing. The company applies simulation expertise and operational experience to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. CAE is leveraging its simulation capabilities in new markets such as healthcare and mining.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
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.


For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter and Waypoint Leasing establish comprehensive commercial and marketing partnership for helicopter leasing

London, England, September 24, 2013 An agreement signed by Eurocopter and Waypoint Leasing offers value and flexibility to helicopter lessees through the companies’ enhanced commercial and marketing resources.

An agreement signed by Eurocopter and Waypoint Leasing offers value and flexibility to helicopter lessees through the companies’ enhanced commercial and marketing resources.

The agreement, announced today at London’s Helitech International exposition, enables Waypoint to offer its client base the full capabilities of Eurocopter’s comprehensive Parts-by-the-Hour (PBH) support services.

“This marks a new chapter in our highly valuable partnership with Waypoint,” said Fabrice Arfi, Eurocopter Vice President for Business Development and Sales Coordination. “The agreement brings real benefits to helicopter operators who choose Waypoint for their leasing option.”
 

“The umbrella agreement is an important step that brings additional value to our growing customer base and supports the residual value of our future Eurocopter helicopter inventory,” added Waypoint CEO Ed Washecka. “Eurocopter is an exceptional partner, and we appreciate their confidence in Waypoint.”

Eurocopter’s Parts-by-the-Hour program provides highly adaptable and cost-effective services coverage that contributes to minimal helicopter downtime, streamlines maintenance costs and reduces parts inventory. It applies to dynamic components, blades, basic and mission equipment, and can be customized to operators’ needs.

Features of the Eurocopter Parts-by-the-Hour program include: standard part exchanges delivered in 48 hours; provisions for scheduled overhaul of dynamic and other components; the replacement of life-limited parts; and repair of failed parts.

About Waypoint Leasing (Website: http://www.waypointleasing.com)
Waypoint Leasing is a global helicopter lessor providing aircraft and financing solutions to helicopter operators as well as aircraft management services to helicopter owners around the world. Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, and with operations in Darien, Connecticut, Waypoint partners with helicopter operators across a wide range of sectors, including oil and gas, emergency medical service, search and rescue, and domestic and foreign governments.

About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
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.


For more information, please contact:

Avincis buys three new EC225 helicopters from Eurocopter

24 September 2013 Avincis Group (Avincis), the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission critical operations, and Eurocopter today announced the purchase of three new EC225 helicopters.

Avincis Group (Avincis), the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission critical operations, and Eurocopter today announced the purchase of three new EC225 helicopters.

The helicopters will be used by Avincis’ subsidiary Bond Helicopters Australia (Bond) to service its multi-million dollar, five year contract with the PTTEP Australasia Group of Companies, part of Thailand’s national petroleum exploration and production company. This is Bond’s first major contract in the region and marks the company’s entry into one of the fastest growing offshore markets in the world.

The three 11-ton EC225s integrate the latest technological innovations of the Super Puma family of aircraft, and are specifically configured for offshore flight. The aircraft type is used on missions around the world, and has flown more than 300,000 flight hours.

(© Eurocopter / Photo Amélie Laurin)

Avincis CEO James Drummond said: “We are delighted to have secured these aircraft for our new Bond business in Australia. This strengthens our strategic relationship with Eurocopter, who are an important partner in Avincis’ future growth.”

“Our long-term relationship with the Avincis Group has been built on a basis of mutual confidence, and I look forward to furthering this partnership with the delivery of three more EC225s,” said Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury. “Avincis Group can count on Eurocopter’s continued support in ensuring the full service of the helicopters in their vital missions for the oil and gas industry.”

These latest additions to Avincis’ global fleet of around 350 aircraft will be support PTTEP’s operations in the Timor Sea. The first two aircraft will be delivered in December 2013, with the third EC225 due to arrive in the second half of 2014.

As part of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence, Avincis continues to invest in the purchase of new aircraft, allowing it to operate one of the most modern and technologically advanced fleets in Europe. Headquartered in the UK, the Group provides central resources, global standards and systems and expertise to its 13 local operating companies.

Last year Avincis companies flew over 108,500 hours, conducted over 50,600 emergency health care missions, rescued more than 8,600 people at sea or on mountains, helped to put out over 7,800 fires and carried more than 175,900 passengers in the oil and gas industries.

For more information:

Notes for editors

About Avincis Group (Website: www.avincisgroup.com)
Avincis is the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search & rescue, coast and city surveillance, fire fighting and energy support services. Based in the UK, the Group provides central resources, safety and operating standards and systems and expertise to its operating companies who serve local markets and customers in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Chile, Peru, UK, Norway, Australia and Ireland. Of primary importance is the Group’s oversight of safety standards across all its operations, with a global target of zero accidents. In 2012, the Group flew over 108,500 hours worldwide.


About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
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.

“Eurocopter presents a “collectable” art helicopter at the Monaco Yacht Show based on the twin-engine EC135”

Marignane, France, September 23, 2013 It is an eye-catching world-premiere in a blue and white Zig-Zag design: At this week’s Monaco Yacht Show, Eurocopter will exhibit a “collectable” art helicopter aboard the Quattroelle, an 86-meter Lürssen yacht, with the EC135’s cabin interior and exterior paint scheme designed by German artist Rita Weber.

It is an eye-catching world-premiere in a blue and white Zig-Zag design: At this week’s Monaco Yacht Show, Eurocopter will exhibit a “collectable” art helicopter aboard the Quattroelle, an 86-meter Lürssen yacht, with the EC135’s cabin interior and exterior paint scheme designed by German artist Rita Weber.

The project for this original art-inspired rotorcraft began with the idea of creating something unique and different in the vertical lift marketplace. Its result is an exceptional design combination that creates a link between the helicopter and yacht. Thanks to its exterior blue-white pattern with integrated lighting, the EC135’s appearance changes, depending on the observer’s perspective.

“A helicopter doesn’t have to be just a technical accessory; it also can be a work of art,” explained Weber, who came up with the design concept. “My Zig-Zag design respects the external lines of the EC135, but creates a unique helicopter.”

(© Charles Abarr)

To provide an optical tie-in between the helicopter and its ocean-going environment, yacht-builder Lürssen adapted and applied the Zig-Zag design to the Quattroelle’s helipad. Rita Weber calls this the “footprint on deck,” which underscores the link between yacht and helicopter, even when the rotorcraft is airborne and away from the vessel.

“Rita Weber’s design idea is extremely original and attractive,” said Thomas Hein, Eurocopter Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations – Europe. “In bringing together the helicopter’s unique configuration with the helideck’s paint scheme, we have an art concept that takes the helicopter into a new dimension.”

The EC135 Zig-Zag’s “wow” effect extends into the cabin, which features an exclusive interior. It combines high-class materials from well-known international designers: the silk carpet is provided by Tai Ping; the leather in fuchsia from Foglizzo; and the cashmere covering the interior wall is by Loro Piana.

Eurocopter has the widest range of helicopters tailored for private and business aviation, and has been the leader in these sectors during the past five years with a market share of 43 percent.

The EC135 is a powerful, twin-engine lightweight helicopter combining a spacious cabin, ample storage compartment, unobstructed flat floors, room for up to five passengers and pilot, and lateral sliding doors. Moreover, the aircraft has a low noise signature, allowing it to operate both day and night in the urban environment. To date, over 1,100 EC135s have been sold, winning praise from customers around the world who work in business aviation and other varied applications that include medical evacuation, offshore and public service missions.

About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
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.


For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter reinforces its capabilities in the U.S. with the installation of an AS350 assembly line

Marignane, France, September 20, 2013 Beginning in 2014, Eurocopter will install the necessary industrial capabilities to upgrade the American Eurocopter plant in Columbus, Mississippi, to a final assembly and test site for Eurocopter AS350 helicopters, the top-selling civil helicopter in the U.S. market.

Beginning in 2014, Eurocopter will install the necessary industrial capabilities to upgrade the American Eurocopter plant in Columbus, Mississippi, to a final assembly and test site for Eurocopter AS350 helicopters, the top-selling civil helicopter in the U.S. market.

The plan was developed with two main objectives in mind: First, as a way to offset the impact of the reduction in local production of UH-72A Lakota helicopters and second, to help provide a boost to sales in the U.S. market, especially with government and law enforcement agencies.

“North America is the largest light helicopter market in the world for Eurocopter, and this new assembly line supports our industrial strategy by manufacturing the preferred AS350 ‘Made in the USA’ in close proximity to our customers,” said Joseph Saporito, Executive Vice President of the Global Supply Chain for Eurocopter. “This decision further supports our investments that have developed reliable and efficient local industrial capabilities in a market with strong expected growth.”

(Copyright American Eurocopter)

The plan calls for the Columbus plant to become a final AS350 assembly and test site using parts produced by Eurocopter and its suppliers, in addition to the continued production and retrofit of UH-72A Lakotas for the U.S. Army, other federal agencies and foreign military customers.

“I am extremely happy to be able to announce we will be able to maintain and expand the Columbus plant’s operations and retain our skilled and dedicated workers,” said American Eurocopter President and CEO Marc Paganini. “Our teams in Mississippi have done a superb job of producing the Lakota for the Army and we want to put their expertise to work building helicopters for the civil market in the U.S.”

Preparations will begin almost immediately, with the final assembly line scheduled to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2014. Operations are set to expand in 2015 and the plant will produce up to 60 additional helicopters annually by 2016.

The Columbus plant − American Eurocopter’s second location in addition to its headquarters in Grand Prairie, Texas − is currently responsible for both the assembly and testing of the highly successful UH-72A Lakota aircraft, for which more than 280 aircraft have been delivered on budget and on or ahead of schedule. Its teams also handle the partial assembly of the AS350 from kits for certification flight tests before sending the aircraft to completion centers, where they are installed with customer-specified interiors, instrumentation and special equipment.

Eurocopter’s international development allows the Group to better meet its customers’ needs by remaining in close proximity, no matter where they are in the world. Opportunities that allow, in addition to this proximity, an in-sourcing of high-value business in key markets reinforce the Group’s commitment to creating strong local industrial footholds in both emerging as well as established markets.

Representing nearly 40% of Eurocopter’s worldwide in-service rotorcraft fleet, some 3,549 AS350s are currently flying around the globe – with nearly one quarter of them in the U.S. alone. American Eurocopter delivered 42 new AS350 helicopters in 2012.

The AS350 outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety and competitive acquisition and maintenance costs. It is the first choice in the U.S. market for law enforcement agencies and helicopter emergency medical service providers.

About Eurocopter (Website: www.eurocopter.com)
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.

About American Eurocopter (www.eurocopterusa.com)
American Eurocopter is the U.S. affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin aircraft, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, Texas with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss.

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter’s commitment to support and services will be showcased at Helitech International

Marignane, France, September 19, 2013 Eurocopter’s enhancement of its support and services portfolio will be demonstrated at this month’s U.K. Helitech International exposition, underscoring the company’s strategy of offering flexibility, reactivity and cost-effective solutions that are backed worldwide to ensure close proximity for customers and operators.

Eurocopter’s enhancement of its support and services portfolio will be demonstrated at this month’s U.K. Helitech International exposition, underscoring the company’s strategy of offering flexibility, reactivity and cost-effective solutions that are backed worldwide to ensure close proximity for customers and operators.

“Our main goal as a global helicopter solutions provider is first and foremost keeping customer satisfaction at the heart of Eurocopter’s strategy,” explained Guillaume Faury, Eurocopter President and CEO. “This means offering not only the best products and evolutions but also efficient and modern service solutions, tailored to the diverse needs of operators.”

The Eurocopter exhibit at Helitech (Stand #P30 at the ExCeL London Convention Center, September 24-26) will spotlight many of the company’s new and evolved products, including a full-scale mock-up of its EC175 in corporate configuration along with two of the latest evolved variants of the company’s helicopter family: the EC130 T2 Stylence and the EC145 T2, both presented in their passenger transport configurations. In addition, an EC120 together with an EC145 in firefighting version will be displayed on the outdoor helipad, exhibiting their mission versatility.

Also on the stand, Eurocopter will closely highlight its new service initiatives, providing “one-stop shop” resources covering the full spectrum of customers’ operations. New services to be demonstrated include:

- Performance Based Services (PBS) to answer market expectations for performance commitment by proposing fully integrated support packages for fleet availability with associated risk sharing, thus enabling customers to focus mainly on flight missions.

- Consulting solutions now available through the Dublin-based Eurocopter International Services subsidiary, with initial specialties including safety management systems and quality management services.

- Online information services such as the fully-interactive e-TechPub technical publications service, accessible through the company’s Keycopter on-line portal; the PC2-DLE application for takeoff and landing risk assessment and exposure time based on payload, and the comprehensive, modular and real-time web-based maintenance information system (WebMIS).

- System & Software Support to improve reactivity and autonomy for the configuration management and the update of airborne software

- Service Bulletins and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) improvements to streamline processes and enhance maintenance efficiency through adapted and affordable tools.

Eurocopter’s high-visibility participation at Helitech 2013 is part of the event’s transformation into a broader European helicopter show, reaching a wider international audience.

Follow all of Eurocopter’s activities at this major helicopter industry gathering, including its daily announcements and feature stories, by visiting the dedicated Helitech 2013 website at:
http://events.eurocopter.com
http://press.eurocopter.com/en/gallery/helitech-2013


About Eurocopter ((Website: www.eurocopter.com)
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.

For more information, please contact: