Company Claims 35 Percent Increase In The Region

Eurocopter says it has experienced a 35 per cent increase in its Southern African business, as countries in the region invest in airborne law-enforcement and civic emergency response capabilities.

“For 2010, Eurocopter Southern Africa expects to book around ($63 million) of orders, with a turnover of roughly ($55.5 million). This 35% per cent increase on 2009 order book reflects the current market trends, which have seen growth in para-public orders and deliveries,” explains Eurocopter Southern Africa Ltd CEO, Fabrice Cagnat.

Despite the recession, which has affected the global aerospace industry and rotorcraft sector, Eurocopter has maintained its position as the leading manufacturer with 52 per cent of the civil and parapublic market. The company predicts that Southern Africa’s market is set for further recovery in line with improved global and regional economies. The company is well placed to take advantage of the forecast resurgence, thanks to the widest range of modern, efficient helicopters and its ability to tailor these to customers’ specific needs. “The proven suitability of our various civil and military products places Eurocopter in the prime position to take advantage of the global and African markets’ resurgence. While corporate and utility sectors have followed the low trend of 2009, demand for helicopters has remained strong in the para-public domain for law enforcement, public safety and environmental protection”, adds Cagnat.

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Eurocopter currently supports a fleet of about 240 helicopters operating throughout Southern Africa. Most of these aircraft are in service with the police services in the region, emergency medical rescue organisations, VIP/corporate operations and utility missions where they are used, for example, in geo-seismic missions, game counting and powerline inspection. A number of helicopters are also flown in the tourism/charter market.

The company has also recently established a Training Academy at Lanseria, near Johannesburg. This academy provides type rating and technical training for helicopter pilots and engineers for customers across the region. To meet the increased training demand, Eurocopter Southern Africa will employ an additional instructor from 2011. To date, more than 150 pilots and 220 engineering personnel have undergone training at the Academy.

Eurocopter is convening the 2nd Airborne Law Enforcement Seminar in Cape Town to coincide with the biennial Africa Aerospace & Defence show taking place in the city this week. Eurocopter will exhibit its range of light and medium helicopter products at the show.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com