Noticias

Vector Aerospace is approved as a Eurocopter service center for Super Puma AS332 helicopters

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 6, 2013 Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America today received the certificate with full approval as a Eurocopter-qualified service center for the AS332 helicopter family.

Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America today received the certificate with full approval as a Eurocopter-qualified service center for the AS332 helicopter family.

O&I and I+ level airframe servicing, and allows Vector to perform major inspections, upgrades and retrofits on all AS332 Super Puma models. The primary focus will be on helicopters based in North America and registered by the Federal Aviation Administration.

This approval was achieved less than one year after the certification process start-up, and was performed with the full support of Eurocopter – which is Vector Aerospace’s sister company. It was presented at Heli-Expo 2013 by Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling to Declan O’Shea, the President and CEO of Vector Aerospace.

“The approval positions Vector as a key player for Super Puma support worldwide, and enables us to open new services markets,” explained O’Shea. “It is combined with the increasing range of Super Puma family supplemental type certificate capabilities developed by Vector, and will be complemented by the upcoming service center approval of our Vector UK operation for the Super Puma family.”

In parallel to receiving the North American service center approval, Vector started its program of retrofitting and updating Super Puma helicopters with the overhaul and modification of rotorcraft at the company’s operation in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada for two different customers.

Vector has completed five aircraft to date, with the first – a Super Puma AS332L1 – provided to Rainer Heli International. The remaining four were delivered to Vector Financial Services in utility configurations, and have become part of a fleet available for lease to utility operators around the globe.

“Vector’s quick turnaround time, extensive capabilities and experience on medium and heavy helicopters were the leading factors that solidified Eurocopter’s decision to provide Vector with this approval,” Bertling said. “It further strengthens Eurocopter’s worldwide repair network, providing our customers with additional approved solutions to service their fleets.”

About Vector Aerospace (www.vectoraerospace.com)
Vector is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Africa it provides services to commercial and military customers for various types of gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes.
Principal operations include Vector Aerospace Engine Services-Atlantic, Vector Aerospace Engine Services-UK, Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America, Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-UK, SECA and Pathix ASP. Vector also provides information technology solutions to an international customer base. The company employs approximately 2800 employees.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services.
The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries.
Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Vector Aerospace Corporation:
Trista Bilmer- Marketing Manager
Tel: 604-276-7685
Trista.bilmer@vectoraerospace.com

Phoenix Heli-Flight expands fleet with new Singles and Twin Engine Eurocopter Helicopters

Heli-Expo, Las Vegas, March 5th, 2013 Phoenix Heli-flight will soon welcome two new AS350 B2’s, an EC135 twin-engine aircraft and signs MOU for the first Canadian EC145 T2.

Phoenix Heli-flight will soon welcome two new AS350 B2’s, an EC135 twin-engine aircraft and signs MOU for the first Canadian EC145 T2.

“The AS350 B2’s are a favorite of our clients and we needed to increase our capacity to satisfy the demand for this aircraft”, sited Paul Spring, President and CEO of Phoenix Heli-Flight. The new B2’s are a welcome addition to the current Phoenix fleet which includes; 2 EC120 B’s, a EC130 B4, AS350 B2, AS350 B3, AS355 N and a AS355 NP.

The AS350 B2 is an excellent utility helicopter that is able to carry an external load of more than one ton (2,200 lbs.). Thanks to its high useful load, it is well suited for completing utility missions quickly and efficiently. Renowned for its enhanced performance, excellent safety features and reduced operating costs; the single-engine AS350 B2, powered with a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine, has a proven track record.

© Copyright Eurocopter Canada, Jay Miller

“The main driver for the EC135 acquisition was the performance of the aircraft and the outstanding safety features. This helicopter is the reference machine for EMS operations”. The aircraft will be a dedicated Emergency Response Helicopter, serving the North East Region of Alberta. The aircraft is backed by funding from the Alberta energy industry and we are extremely pleased by the show of support” announced Mr. Spring.

The EC135 will be used for EMS, SAR and Environmental issue management. To support the various mission’s, the aircraft will be equipped with dual pilot IFR, a rescue hoist and light-weight medical interior. The compact footprint of the EC135 coupled with the the high endurance and extended range enables this helicopter to perform a full range of mission requirements. The ability to carry more payload than any aircraft in its class, over longer distances, was a contributing factor in the selection of this particular helicopter. The reliable Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 turboshaft engine provides outstanding performance and vital reserves, even in one-engine inoperative scenarios, along with low fuel consumption.

“The EC135 is known for its high performance and exceptional maneuverability. Its fast and quiet design has proven successful in its class. The aircraft will provide Phoenix Heli-flight with superior emergency response capabilities” said Guy Joannes, CEO Eurocopter Canada. “In recent years the twin engine turbine fleet has been growing in Canada and will be a valuable asset in assisting with Emergency Response missions. We value Phoenix Heli-Flight’s commitment to Eurocopter products with the introduction of the new generation twin engine helicopters and the two new AS350 B2’s.”

Phoenix Heli-Flight is the first Canadian Operator to sign an MOU for the new EC145 T2. The new platform will allow Phoenix to enhance its Emergency Response Helicopter Program and speaks directly to the Oil and Gas Production industry. The evolution of the EC145 with increased power and safety is the newest 4-ton class twin engine, multi-purpose helicopter in the EC145/BK117 family, which has seen more than 800 deliveries worldwide and has accumulated more than 3 million flight hours.

The EC145 T2 is ideally suited to carry out missions such as EMS, Law Enforcement, SAR, Business Aviation, oil and gas and utility. The EC145 T2 comes with a 4-axis auto pilot, optimizing the capabilities of the aircraft for over-water day and night SAR missions. It has been acknowledged by its operators as a high end, user-friendly and extremely helpful system. The EC145 T2 is equipped with two powerful and modern Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, each controlled by a dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which, in combination with the aircraft’s lifting system, provide outstanding All Engine Operative (AEO)
performances.

The new gear box of the EC145 T2 is an evolution of the proven solutions offered by the EC145/BK117 family of aircraft. Both the main gear box and aircraft components benefit from an increased time between scheduled maintenance overhauls, resulting in lower maintenance costs and the best solution to keep the aircraft in-service. Equipped with the Fenestron®, which significantly reduces sound levels, the EC145 T2 is the quietest helicopter in its class. The composite structure and aerodynamic geometry of this tail boom also contribute to optimized fuel consumption.

About Phoenix Heli-Flight
Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc. is a charter helicopter company operating from its main base in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Phoenix is a privately owned company and has been in operation for over 20 years. Phoenix Heli-Flight operates a fleet of seven Eurocopter manufactured aircraft, both single and twin turbine engine light helicopters. The company prides itself in offering newer and low time aircraft to their clients. Phoenix Heli-Flight services a wide variety of industries including; Exploration, wildlife surveys, utilities, oil and gas, forestry, construction, infrastructure maintenance, corporate transport, general transportation of personnel and freight and wildfire suppression. Phoenix provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Ft. McMurray and surrounding area. Phoenix Heli-Flight is headquartered in a modern well-appointed facility. Phoenix’s hangers/office is located at the Fort McMurray Airport with 40,000 square feet and houses all maintenance, aircraft storage, spare parts and training.

About ECL & Eurocopter Group
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario since 1984, has additional operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec and a support and customer service network that spans the entire country. Eurocopter Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is
a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The EADS Canada network has more than 1,700 employees. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Milestone Aviation Group increases Eurocopter EC225 order to 30 aircraft and announces order for five EC175s

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 5, 2013 Milestone Aviation Group, the global leader in helicopter leasing, today announced an order for 14 additional Eurocopter EC225 twin-engine helicopters, which will join the 16 EC225s ordered last year – along with the company’s initial EC175 booking, covering five of these next-generation aircraft.

Milestone Aviation Group, the global leader in helicopter leasing, today announced an order for 14 additional Eurocopter EC225 twin-engine helicopters, which will join the 16 EC225s ordered last year – along with the company’s initial EC175 booking, covering five of these next-generation aircraft.

This new order for the two Eurocopter helicopter types brings Milestone’s EC225 total order book value to more than €675 million (US $891 million) at list prices, while the list price valuation of its EC175 acquisition is approximately € 70 million (US $ 92 million).

Milestone Chairman and Co-Founder Richard Santulli and Eurocopter President and CEO Lutz Bertling announced the EC225 and EC175 contract on March 5 at the Heli-Expo 2013 helicopter industry show in Las Vegas.

“This order further develops our partnership with Milestone and demonstrates the confidence our longstanding partner places in Eurocopter’s Super Puma family and our new EC175,” Bertling said. “It underscores the EC225’s operational performance and value delivered with demanding customers such as Milestone, while making an important endorsement for the EC175.”

Milestone’s EC225s and EC175s will be configured to the requirements of its operating partners for use in duties such as crew change missions to offshore oil and gas platforms and search and rescue.

“The EC225 has a long-standing reputation for safety and reliability in the most demanding operating conditions,” commented Milestone’s Santulli. “Despite the current challenges the aircraft is facing, we are confident that Eurocopter and the EC225 will overcome them. This helicopter is a fantastic asset that will be a mainstay of the offshore oil and gas and search and rescue markets for decades to come.”

Santulli added: “With the EC175, our customers will benefit from the high-performance, range and payload capabilities of this exciting new aircraft.”

The EC225 integrates Eurocopter’s latest technological innovations in a highly capable 11-ton-category helicopter. Powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, the EC225’s main gear box and 5-blade rotor give this rotorcraft the ability to carry a variety of payloads, along with excellent range and fast cruise speeds.

Deployed worldwide for civil and military search and rescue, as well as offshore and passenger transport missions, the Super Puma/Cougar family has logged more than 4.5 million flight hours in operations around the globe. When configured for offshore crew change operations in support of oil and gas producers, the EC225 can be rapidly converted for search and rescue operations.

The EC175 was designed by Eurocopter in close cooperation with operators, and is the first helicopter in the seven-ton category with its payload and range capabilities. This rotorcraft also extends the EC225’s undisputed superiority of in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and situational awareness, and includes the most innovative alerting and self-monitoring system.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E engines and equipped with a five-blade Spheriflex main rotor system, the EC175’s range provides the reach needed by offshore service providers and other operators – transporting 16 passengers in an oil and gas configuration to distances of 140 naut. mi., with its range approaching 200 naut. mi. when 12 passengers are carried.

About Milestone (www.milestoneaviation.com)
Milestone Aviation Group is the first global aircraft leasing company exclusively focused on helicopters. Milestone’s global aircraft leasing platform addresses the liquidity needs of a transforming marketplace through 100% operating lease financing. Since launching in August 2010, Milestone has leased more than 75 aircraft valued at more than $1 billion with 21 operators in 20 countries. In addition, the company is expected to have placed future firm helicopter orders and secured options valued at more than $2.2 billion by the end of HAI’s Heli-Expo 2013. Further information is available at www.milestoneaviation.com.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter reinforces its Gulf of Mexico presence: Apoyo Logístico Aéreo orders another EC135 helicopter for off-shore oil and gas missions

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 5, 2013 Mexican operator Apoyo Logístico Aéreo will expand its fleet of EC135s for operations to off-shore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, ordering a third helicopter for its all-Eurocopter inventory of light twin-engine rotorcraft.

Mexican operator Apoyo Logístico Aéreo will expand its fleet of EC135s for operations to off-shore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, ordering a third helicopter for its all-Eurocopter inventory of light twin-engine rotorcraft.

The newly-ordered EC135 will be delivered this November, joining Apoyo Logístico Aéreo’s current two helicopters – which have performed more than 6,500 missions since 2007, carrying over 46,000 passengers while logging some 7,500 flight hours at a 98.9 percent reliability.

“Eurocopter and Apoyo Logístico Aéreo both share the same values: anticipate market needs, excel in operational service, and reach high levels of customer satisfaction – all while attaining top standards in quality and safety, with the most optimized costs,” said Serge Durand, CEO of Eurocopter de Mexico, the regional Eurocopter subsidiary.

This latest order was announced today at the Heli-Expo show in Las Vegas, and further strengthens Eurocopter’s presence for oil and gas helicopter services in the Latin American market, where more than 100 of the company’s rotorcraft currently are in operation.

Eurocopter’s EC135 is a helicopter of reference in the light twin-engine rotorcraft segment. With dual-engine safety and Eurocopter’s modern technology, it offers excellent performance and high reliability, along with low operational and maintenance costs – tailoring the helicopter for medium-range airlift duties to off-shore platforms.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services.
The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries.
Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter launches the EC135 T3/P3 members of its enhanced helicopter family with orders from the U.S., Norway and Italy

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 5, 2013 Eurocopter marked a new milestone in its product line enhancement strategy by launching the improved-performance, updated EC135 T3/P3 helicopter versions at the Heli-Expo 2013 industry show today, signing Air Methods of the U.S., Norsk Luftambulanse of Norway, and Italy’s Aiut Alpin Dolomites as launch customers.

Eurocopter marked a new milestone in its product line enhancement strategy by launching the improved-performance, updated EC135 T3/P3 helicopter versions at the Heli-Expo 2013 industry show today, signing Air Methods of the U.S., Norsk Luftambulanse of Norway, and Italy’s Aiut Alpin Dolomites as launch customers.

New features for these latest variants of Eurocopter’s EC135 light, multipurpose twin-engine rotorcraft include significantly improved hot/high performance, increased maximum takeoff weight, improved flight envelope, extended range, cockpit innovations and enhanced interior versatility. The T3/P3 designations signify availability of two upgraded engine options on the helicopters: Turbomeca’s Arrius 2B2 “Plus” for the EC135 T3; and Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PWC 206B3 for the EC135 P3.

Eurocopter’s launch customers have ordered both the P3 and T3 versions: Air Methods is to acquire six EC135 P3 helicopters to be utilized in air medical transport missions; Norsk Luftambulanse signed for six EC135 P3 rotorcraft in the medical evacuation configuration; while Aiut Alpin Dolomites booked one EC135 T3 for its mountain rescue operations.

“Our EC135 T3/P3 represent the latest examples of Eurocopter’s commitment to continually evolve the product line, applying creativity and innovation in delivering optimum performance for operators,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “It’s particularly appropriate that the initial customers announced today will benefit from the helicopters’ superior performance in critical life-saving missions that often are performed in highly demanding conditions.”

Changes in the EC135 T3/P3 include a 10-cm. increased length for the main rotor blades, new and optimized software in the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls), along with enhanced air intakes compatible with inlet barrier filters that provide engine protection from sand, dust and potential causes of foreign object damage.

Among the resulting improvements are significantly better hot/high performance (with 240 kg. more payload at a 1,500-meter altitude, ISA+20 conditions), improved maximum takeoff weight (a 30 kg. increase to 2,980 kg. when compared with the most recent EC135 P2e/T2e versions), and an improved flight envelope up to -45° C/-49° F (versus -35°C/-31°F).

In the cockpit, notable innovations for the EC135 T3/P3 are the integration of Garmin’s GTN 750 fully-integrated navigation, communications, and GPS avionics solution with a large touch-screen display; the installation of Appareo’s Vision 1000 flight data monitoring and cockpit imaging device, and an iPad holder with power supply. For passengers, the new EC135 versions are offered with Eurocopter’s Stylence® cabin interior.

Further enhancing operational safety is a new external life raft system.

Air Methods’ overall existing Eurocopter inventory is composed of more than 330 helicopters, including the EC135, EC130, BK117 and AS350 types.

“We are excited about continuing to improve transport capability and safety for our crews, patients and customers,” said Archie Gray, Senior Vice President, Air Methods Aviation Services. “The P3 will give us the ability to operate in extreme environments without any compromise to safety, and shows Eurocopter’s commitment to continued product improvements.”

Norsk Luftambulanse’s EC135 P3 rotorcraft will be used in this Norway-based company’s emergency medical services. It also ordered one EC145 T2 today, further expanding its Eurocopter-built fleet that currently consists of one EC135 C2 and 11 EC135 P2 helicopters.

“As an EC135 operator since 2000, we are really looking forward to the performance increase promised for the EC135 P3,” stated Syver Leivestad, the CEO of Norsk Luftambulanse. “It will provide us with increased capability and safety margins – both for mountain rescue and IFR operations.”

The EC135 T3 booked by Italy’s Aiut Alpin Dolomites is to be delivered in 2014, succeeding its current EC135 T2i – which will have achieved 10 years of heavy-duty service in the rugged Dolomites mountain range next year.

“When it came to choosing a new helicopter, we had no doubts in selecting Eurocopter once again, with the EC135 T3 version giving us higher performance, a gain in loading weight, and faster speeds to the rescue area,” explained Raffaël Kostner, the Vice President of Aiut Alpin Dolomites. “Our existing EC135 has been excellent, providing exceptional reliability, along with such operational safety aspects as low downwash during hover and landing, high-up main rotor blades and shrouded Fenestron tail rotor, and the ability to touch down on inclined ground landing locations.”

He noted the EC135 T3’s improved performance is a great advantage in such missions as evacuating cable cars, especially in extreme weather conditions and just before darkness – when time is of the essence, and three persons could be winched up at a time.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services.
The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries.
Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Eurocopter and Milestone Aviation Group sign an innovative agreement for cooperative marketing and technical support in helicopter leasing

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 5, 2013 An innovative agreement signed by Eurocopter and Milestone Aviation Group today brings these two industry leaders together for cooperative marketing of Milestone’s growing helicopter portfolio, backed by Eurocopter’s comprehensive Parts-by-the-Hour (PBH) support services.

An innovative agreement signed by Eurocopter and Milestone Aviation Group today brings these two industry leaders together for cooperative marketing of Milestone’s growing helicopter portfolio, backed by Eurocopter’s comprehensive Parts-by-the-Hour (PBH) support services.

This agreement enables Eurocopter to provide its customers and operators commercial access to Milestone’s inventory of helicopters with all of the financial benefits that comes with leasing – along with the resources of Eurocopter’s PBH program; while Milestone will be able to offer its client base with access to the full capabilities of Eurocopter’s PBH services coverage.

“Eurocopter is committed to innovation in all aspects of our industry, and this new accord with Milestone marks an important step in meeting the needs of this our partner and its lessees operating Eurocopter aircraft globally,” said Fabrice Arfi, Eurocopter’s Vice President for Business Development.

Milestone is expanding its fleet of Eurocopter-built rotorcraft as the current inventory of 28 helicopters – consisting of the EC130, EC135, EC145, EC155 B1, AS332 L2 and EC225 types – is supplemented by additional EC225s and EC175s ordered in 2012 and 2013.

“Our new agreement ensures top-level support for Milestone’s leasing customers with the comprehensive capabilities of Eurocopter’s PBH program, while also preserving the value of our assets through a direct working relationship with the aircraft manufacturer,” stated Milestone Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder Matt Harris.

Eurocopter’s PBH program offers highly adaptable and cost-effective services coverage that contributes to minimal helicopter downtime, streamlines maintenance costs and reduces parts inventory. It applies to dynamic components, blades, basic and mission equipment, and can be customizable to operators’ needs.

The Eurocopter/Milestone agreement was formalized today in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Heli-Expo 2013 helicopter industry show, where the accord was signed by Milestone Chairman Richard Santulli and Lutz Bertling, the Eurocopter President & CEO.

About Milestone Aviation Group
Milestone Aviation Group is the first global aircraft leasing company exclusively focused on helicopters. Milestone’s global aircraft leasing platform addresses the liquidity needs of the market through 100% operating lease financing. Since launching in August 2010, Milestone has leased more than 75 aircraft valued at more than $1 billion with 21 operators in 20 countries. In addition, the company is expected to have placed future firm helicopter orders and secured options valued at more than $2.2 billion by the end of HAI’s Heli-Expo 2013. Further information is available at www.milestoneaviation.com.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services.
The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries.
Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

A global leader endorses the EC175: Bristow Group places a major order for Eurocopter’s next-generation medium-sized helicopter

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 5, 2013 Bristow Group, a world-leading provider of transportation services for the offshore energy industry, today signed an agreement for up to 12 EC175s – marking the latest major acquisition of Eurocopter’s rotorcraft, which sets new standards in the medium-sized twin-engine helicopter market segment.

Bristow Group, a world-leading provider of transportation services for the offshore energy industry, today signed an agreement for up to 12 EC175s – marking the latest major acquisition of Eurocopter’s rotorcraft, which sets new standards in the medium-sized twin-engine helicopter market segment.

The contract was formalized at the Heli-Expo 2013 industry show in Las Vegas, Nevada, during a ceremony attended by William E. Chiles, Bristow Group’s President and CEO, and Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

“The Bristow Group’s order represents another important endorsement for this optimized rotary-wing aircraft, which has become a reference in the medium-twin helicopter category,” Bertling explained. “We are especially proud to accompany Bristow in its development and look forward to contributing to the success of its operations with the EC175. Its range, cruise speed and payload lift capabilities – combined with high comfort levels for passengers and the latest in avionics for pilots – perfectly tailors our EC175 for the most demanding off-shore missions.”

Bristow Group joins a growing number of international customers selecting the EC175, which Eurocopter evolved through extensive consultation with operators and end-users – ensuring their needs and requirements were incorporated into the design at an early stage.

“Bristow has followed the development of the EC175 closely since we signed a memorandum of understanding in 2008 and are now excited to confirm the addition of this aircraft type into our global fleet from 2015,” Chiles stated. “This new-generation helicopter provides significant capabilities with its 16-seat configuration.”

The EC175 is making a debut appearance at Heli-Expo 2013, where the aircraft is displayed in a stopover on its U.S. demonstration tour. During the two-week visit, this no. 1 production EC175 will be presented to companies specialized in passenger transport and supply missions for the offshore oil and gas industry.

With a recommended cruise speed of 150 kts. and maximum cruise speed in excess of 165 kts., the EC175 is able to transport 16 passengers out to distances of 140 nautical miles, with the range approaching 200 naut. mi. when 12 passengers are carried.

The EC175 has validated its excellent power performance and one engine inoperative (OEI) hover performance, which ensures safety during hoisting for search and rescue missions; extensive power reserve and heli-deck performance (PC1) at maximum take-off weight in ISA+20°C conditions. Furthermore, Eurocopter’s Helionix avionics incorporated on the EC175 provides the highest levels of mission flexibility and safety.

With designed-in attributes that meet a full range of operating conditions – combined with its speed and range – the EC175 is becoming a helicopter of choice to address a full range of missions, which also include search and rescue, emergency medical services, public services, VIP and executive transport.

About Bristow
Bristow Group Inc. is the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated and one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations. Bristow has major transportation operations in the North Sea, Nigeria and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and in most of the other major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia and Trinidad. For more information, visit Bristow's website at www.bristowgroup.com.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services.
The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries.
Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact: