All Three Aircraft Will Be Tasked With SAR Missions
The government of Spain and Air Greenland have signed contracts
with Eurocopter for EC225 helicopters. The order for one of the
medium twin helos from Spain follows the company's recent success
in the country's competition to select a new rotary-wing aircraft
for maritime search & rescue (SAR) and pollution control
operations.
File Photo
This marks one of the first stages in a national rescue plan to
be implemented by the Spanish Maritime Safety Agency (SASEMAR), and
is designed to provide air assets in the form of large helicopters
for missions in the southern part of the Bay of Biscay and in the
Canary Islands. SASEMAR is a public enterprise affiliated with the
Spanish Ministry of Development through the Directorate-General of
the Merchant Navy.
The new EC225 is to replace one of SASEMAR's Sikorsky S-61N
helicopters, and will provide the agency with a high-performance
asset for maritime SAR and surveillance operations in all weather
conditions.
Air Greenland has placed its first order for a pair of the
medium twin helos, and plans to use them for duties that are to
include all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and all-weather
passenger transportation missions.
File Photo
With the challenging operational environment faced in Greenland,
Air Greenland's decision validates the EC225's role as a preferred
helicopter for use in the most demanding operational
conditions.
The EC225 acquisition agreement was signed in the presence of
Thomas Hein, Eurocopter's Vice President Sales and Customer
Relations for Central Europe; Michael Binzer, Air Greenland's CEO;
and Jens Wittrup Willumsen, Air Greenland's Chairman of the Board.
They were joined by Air Greenland Vice President and Technical
Director Peter Bjerre, along with Florence Cassier, Eurocopter
Sales Manager.
"After a long and hard evaluation, Air Greenland decided to
purchase Eurocopter's EC225, and we are confident this is the right
helicopter for our operations in the harsh environment in and
around Greenland," Binzer stated. "We are particularly pleased to
expand our long relationship with Eurocopter, and are looking
forward to introducing the EC225 into our fleet."
With this acquisition of two EC225s - to be delivered in 2014 -
Air Greenland will expand the company's Eurocopter fleet, which
already consists of 10 AS350 B3 and two AS350 B2 Ecureuil family
helicopters, thereby further extending its service capabilities for
a range of missions in support of growing offshore oil and gas air
transport services, as well as search and rescue operations.
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