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.
SAP AS350 Over World Cup Stadium
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.