Placed An Order For Seven Of The Enhanced Helicopters

American Eurocopter announced Monday that Air Medical Resource Group has signed an agreement to purchase seven AS350 B3e helicopters, making it the U.S. launch customer for this enhanced rotary-wing aircraft. These helicopters will be a core part of an initiative to consolidate Air Medical Resource Group's business lines and to expand market coverage. The agreement consists of three firm orders, with options for four more in 2011.

(L-R) Marc  Panganini, Joseph Hunt

"Air Medical Resource Group is a new American Eurocopter customer, and the enhanced AS350 B3e will certainly help them expand their business," said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. "For this growing company, the AS350 is a great choice, as the helicopter is already known for its power, performance, and reliability. The AS350 B3e's enhancements will provide Air Medical Resource Group with even more capabilities."

"As part of our business growth strategy, we needed to find powerful and reliable helicopters. We held a very intense evaluation process with input from all disciplines from the air medical field," said Joseph Hunt, CEO of Air Medical Resource Group. "We chose an American Eurocopter product because we recognize the importance of working with a forward thinking, progressive company. American Eurocopter is not only working on fulfilling our present-day needs, they are focused on fulfilling our needs of the future. This is evidenced by their consistent deployment of prototype aircraft. American Eurocopter is our choice and specifically the AS350 B3e for its advanced characteristics and latest enhancements."

Air Medical Resource Group is the parent company of Eagle Air Med Corporation, Hawaii Life Flight Corporation and Guardian Flight, Inc. These companies specialize in fixed wing air medical transportation services throughout the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. The company operates under its own Part 135 Certificate with headquarters in South Jordan, Utah.

The AS350 B3e is the updated version of the best-selling AStar family that was introduced during Heli-Expo. It has a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.

As an additional option, the aircraft can be operated at its maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes. This offers the opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for a protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design. Certification of the AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before year-end.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com