Launched Its Latest Helicopter Evolution And Logged 191 Orders

Eurocopter says it had a highly successful 2012 Heli-Expo exposition, marking 20 years of helicopter excellence announcing orders and commitments for 191 rotary-wing aircraft, as well as spotlighting the latest innovation in production, safety and services. The high point of Eurocopter’s activity at Heli-Expo – the world’s largest helicopter industry event – was its rollout of the new EC130 T2, which features enhanced comfort, improved operational performance and increased versatility.

During the unveiling ceremony of the EC130 T2 (pictured), the company announced seven launch customers who have placed bookings for a total 105 of these helicopters: Maverick Helicopters, Papillon Helicopters, Blue Hawaiian, Scandinavian Helicopter Group, Air Commander, Europavia and Enloe Flightcare.

The EC130 T2 orders and commitments cover a full range of missions, including aerial tourism, utility, emergency medical airlift and private operations.

Other bookings announced by Eurocopter during the three-day exposition involved helicopters across the company’s product line – from its enhanced single-engine AS350 B3e Ecureuil family version over the next-generation EC175 rotorcraft in the seven metric ton category to the EC225, setting the standards in Oil&Gas transport and SAR missions.

“The overall success of Eurocopter at Heli-Expo 2012 demonstrates the global market’s continuing recovery. The high level of orders confirm the value of Eurocopter’s strategy to invest, innovate and improve to optimize customer value” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “As we celebrate our twentieth anniversary, Eurocopter’s product line is well positioned to meet customer expectations for helicopter efficiency, performance and safety. We are poised to enter the next 20 years with the same focus and determination to continue our industry leadership."

In the twin-engine segment of Eurocopter’s product line, key contracts and bookings announced during Heli-Expo 2012 included Milestone Aviation Group’s signing for 16 EC225s, confirming the oil & gas transportation market’s strength. Included as well in the new business was an order from Belgium’s Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen (NHV) for 10 EC175s. Furthermore an order for 15 EC175s signed with UTair last year became effective. Inaer placed an order for 10 EC145 T2. Additional agreements for EC135s and EC145s have been achieved from such customers as Corail Hélicoptères, Metro Aviation Group, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Scandinavian Air Ambulance, and the University of Utah Health Care’s AirMed.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com