Noticias

Milestone Aviation Group and SonAir initiate long-term partnership with three Airbus Helicopters' EC225s

New helicopters from record order to join SonAir oil and gas fleet in Angola

Anaheim, California, 26 February 2014

Milestone Aviation Group, the global leader in helicopter leasing, and SonAir, the largest African helicopter operator and a subsidiary of the Angolan national oil company Sonangol, announced that three of Milestone’s record order for 30 of Airbus Helicopters’ EC225s will begin performing airlift duties for Angola’s oil and gas sector.

The arrangements, announced today on Airbus Helicopters’ stand at the 2014 Heli-Expo exhibition, are part of a newly launched, long-term partnership between Milestone and SonAir to continue serving the oil and gas industry in the region.

Deliveries of the new EC225s are planned during the first and second quarters of 2014, with the helicopters joining Airbus Helicopter-built EC225, AS332 L2 and AS365 N3 rotorcraft already in the SonAir fleet.

(©J. Miller - 2014)

“As the largest African oil and gas helicopter operator, we rely on the EC225, with its range, capacity and overall performance, to perform challenging missions in tropical environments. This transaction for near-term EC225 deliveries allows us to maintain our leadership position in the offshore oil and gas market.” said SonAir CEO João Andrade. “Milestone has provided us with customized, flexible terms on operating leases for EC225s that meet our needs, allowing us to fulfill the requirements of our customers, delivering value and operational leverage for our company.”

Milestone Aviation Group is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and has concluded more than US $ 2.0 billion in lease transactions with customers that range from the largest global helicopter users to small- and mid-sized operators.

“SonAir is one of the world’s great helicopter operators, and Angola is an important and growing region for offshore oil and gas production,” said Milestone Chairman and CEO Richard Santulli. “We are proud to announce what we intend to be a long and mutually beneficial partnership with SonAir. It is testament to the global demand and desirability of the EC225 and our strong relationship with Airbus Helicopters that we are able to meet SonAir’s requirements and initiate our partnership at this time.”

The EC225 is Airbus Helicopters’ latest version in its Super Puma family, providing a high-performance rotorcraft in the 10-11 metric ton category. This heavy twin-engine helicopter’s modern technologies, excellent useful load, five-blade main rotor and low vibration levels make it an efficient solution for oil and gas missions – including offshore and passenger transport as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations.

“This leasing arrangement with SonAir is another endorsement of the EC225’s capabilities to serve in the most demanding operating environments,” added Dominique Maudet, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President Global Business and Services. “Worldwide, some 30 different users are flying the EC225, with the helicopter logging over 300,000 flight hours to date.”

About SonAir (www. sonair.co.ao)
SonAir Serviço Aereo, SA, a subsidiary of Sonangol Group, is a structured aviation operator in Angola, using both helicopters and planes, providing services to all major oil & gas companies as its core business and also to the State as complementary business. SonAir started as an aviation department and today, after 30 years in the industry operates a fleet of over 25 helicopters. SonAir´s mission is to provide safe and reliable air transportation services, assuring an optimal economic balance. SonAir is today the largest African helicopter operator and 90 percent of the fleet is dedicated to the Oil and Gas, flying both offshore and onshore. The onshore flying is also supported by fixed wing activity. The workforce rounds about 1000 employees, mainly nationals: the expat workforce is less than 15 percent. Internationally, SonAir also offers a closed charter, direct service from the US to Angola dedicated to the Energy industry. Our vision is to be the leading operator of air transportation in support of the national Oil and Gas Industry, with regional expansion, acting safely, with quality and competitively.

About Milestone Aviation Group (www.milestoneaviation.com)
Milestone Aviation Group is the global leader in helicopter leasing. Since launching in August 2010, and as of December 31, 2013, Milestone has acquired 143 aircraft valued at over US $ 2.2 billion and closed leases with 26 operators in over 20 countries on six continents. The company has a forward order book of over 130 firm and option aircraft valued at over US $ 3.0 billion. These near-term delivery positions of in-demand helicopters are made available for lease globally. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide and supports them through 100 per cent operating lease financing. The company provides financing for helicopters, serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. Further information is available at www.milestoneaviation.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, since these statements include information concerning future results and performance, plans or strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and Milestone undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, actual results and performance could differ substantially from current expectations.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Airbus Helicopters will locate a full-flight simulator in the U.S. and enhance its support resources for EC175 operators

A customer services commitment focused on the offshore oil and gas industry

Anaheim, California, 27 February 2014

Airbus Helicopters today announced its plans to provide a new level of support for the EC175 rotorcraft in North America, with a Level D full-flight simulator located in the United States as part of a commitment to operators serving the offshore oil and gas industry.

The Level D full-flight simulator will be operational in 2016 at a location to be identified, providing pilot training at the highest standards. To recreate the most realistic flight conditions, the simulator is to utilize a motion system, computer-generated visual scenes and accurate representations of cockpit instrumentation – allowing specific mission scenarios to be “flown,” including landings on
off-shore platforms.

In addition to the flight simulator, Airbus Helicopters has committed to expanding and tailoring its customer support operations for helicopter transport providers serving the growing oil and gas
production and exploration sector – for which the company is the leading rotorcraft supplier. This will involve new resources for the EC175’s introduction in the Gulf of Mexico – the world’s busiest area for offshore helicopter activity – including parts and spare supplies available at the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas depot of the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Airbus Helicopters, Inc.

Also in Texas, the headquarters of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. at Grand Prairie will provide Gulf of Mexico operators with 24/7 technical support, AOG (aircraft on ground) service response, rapid
spare parts distribution and other services for the EC175 and the complete Airbus Helicopters product line.

“We are making a major commitment, backed by significant investments, to provide industryleading support and services in the U.S. for the offshore oil and gas industry,” said Marc Paganini, President and Chief Executive of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “Our goal is to provide a mature helicopter from the EC175’s service entry, supported by a dedicated task force and tools that include validated support and services deliverables, along with established training capabilities. We will be there to support our customers when they need it, where they need it, at any time of the
day.”

Deliveries of the EC175 will begin later this year, following its certification in January. As part of its investment in support and services resources, Airbus Helicopters is to install an EC175 Level D fullflight simulator at its Marignane, France headquarters location for operation beginning this summer. This enables pilot training to begin prior to the start-up of EC175 deliveries later in the year.

Designed in close consultation with operators, this medium twin-engine helicopter is suited for a wide range of missions, including offshore crew transport, search and rescue, VIP, utility and medical evacuation operations. It features Airbus Helicopters’ new Helionix® avionics suite and a digital 4-axis autopilot, providing increased safety through reduced pilot workload, enhanced situational awareness, improved flight envelope protection and system redundancy.

When configured for offshore oil and gas operations, the EC175’s range enables 16 passengers to be transported up to distances of 140 naut. mi., with the range approaching 200 naut. mi. when 12
passengers are carried. Contributing to the EC175’s competitive edge is its recommended cruise speed of 150 kts., while the maximum cruise speed exceeds 165 kts. – all achieved at extremely
low vibration levels. These capabilities provide unmatched cost effectiveness for the EC175 on the majority of missions off-shore oil and gas installations.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Airbus Helicopters launches an enhanced version of its Super Puma family: the EC225e

Features include improved performance and range, advanced avionics and better cabin comfort

Anaheim, California, 27 February 2014

The new EC225e version of Airbus Helicopters’ workhorse Super Puma product line was formally launched today, offering an enhanced rotorcraft that responds to operators’ requirements for extended-range missions – particularly in support of deep-water oil and gas airlift missions.

Details on the EC225e were outlined at the 2014 Heli-Expo convention in Anaheim, California, along with the first orders.

The twin-engine EC225e has improved capabilities that include more payload, an additional fuel tank for very long range flights, a new cabin layout for improved passenger comfort and new avionics to significantly increase pilots’ situational awareness while reducing workload.

Certification of the EC225e is targeted for late 2015, followed by the delivery start-up in mid-2016.

“We developed the EC225e to meet growing requirements for longer-range flights, while retaining top levels of performance, passenger comfort and operational safety,” explained Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury. “This is particularly valuable for oil and gas missions as the exploration and recovery of energy resources moves further offshore and into deeper waters.”

The EC225e will be powered by new Turbomeca Makila 2B turboshaft engines for improved performance, providing 550 kg additional payload. Such gain will provide a radius-of-action extended by 50 nautical miles with 19 passengers or 10 passengers up to 300 Nm with a new fuel tank. These powerplants incorporate a new combustion chamber and blades in the high-pressure turbine, enabling the EC225e to take off at its maximum all-up weight in CAT A conditions.

A new seating layout, which was designed in coordination with customers, provides increased comfort for passengers and offers better access.

In the EC225e’s cockpit, the equipment lineup includes a Euronav7 moving map system, automatic identification system (AIS), TCAS2 collision avoidance system, and flight management system. Among the helicopter’s enhanced operational capabilities will be the capability to perform automatic GPS (global positioning system) approaches to oil rigs or airfields that are not equipped with radio navigation means.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact:

Airbus Helicopters highlights innovative service solutions at Heli-Expo, including five new online services

Anaheim, California, 26 February 2014

The increased scope of Airbus Helicopters’ support and services offer is being spotlighted at this week’s 2014 Heli-Expo exhibition in Anaheim, California, where the company is providing details on support for new aircraft, training and operations, helicopter upgrades, new information services and enhancements to the Keycopter® customer portal.

“Keeping our helicopters flight-ready with customers and operators is one of Airbus Helicopters’ top priorities, and we are innovating strongly in 2014 in providing reactive support and services in response to their evolving needs,” said Matthieu Louvot, Airbus Helicopters Senior Vice President of Support & Services.

Airbus Helicopters is deploying five new online services in 2014 and significantly expanding the global coverage of its existing online e-Spares ordering solution so as to cover 80 percent of its global customer base in 2015.

The first of the new online services – WebMIS, the cloud-based helicopter maintenance information system developed in partnership with global aviation software provider Ramco Systems – will be available on Keycopter® in 2014. WebMIS is now being integrated by the first user under the partnership: the Blueway Nordic helicopter group for its Dancopter AS and Blueway Offshore Norge AS operations. The WebMIS information system tracks maintenance and logistics operations in real-time online, thereby increasing fleet availability, saving time and money, and enhancing the availability of spares, tools and personnel – all without capital expenditure.

Airbus Helicopters also is launching its new O.R.I.O.N interactive viewer that allows customers to easily consult all the latest technical documentation online and directly access regularly updated work cards. This key service will be progressively deployed for the entire helicopter range throughout 2014, beginning today with the EC130.

The third new online offer introduced at Heli-Expo is the company’s business intelligence service, which enables operators to identify areas of possible improvement by using their own data mapped against helicopter fleet-wide data. New Keycopter® offerings also include an e-Customer Request portal and e-Warranty. An additional service coming soon is the electronic Technical Log Book (e-TLB), which enables highly efficient real-time communication between flight operations and maintenance to reduce aircraft-on-ground situations and improve helicopter availability.

Another new offering on display for the first time at Heli-Expo is a catalogue of 150 upgrade solutions based on Service Bulletins and Supplemental Type Certificates. The standardization of such services (including kits preparation and double certification) allows shorter lead times, higher competitiveness and higher maintenance efficiency. The standardized upgrades are now available via e-Ordering on Keycopter®. Additionally, an easy-to-use automatic quotation and research tool for off-the-shelf kits will go live in the first quarter of 2015. This evolution of the Keycopter® e-Ordering process will enable customers to receive a quotation in a matter of minutes in an interactive manner.

Contributing to Airbus Helicopters’ innovative support and services portfolio is its customized Component Support Program in the United States – a “pay as you fly” offer based on simple flat rate per flight hour charges for direct maintenance costs. Airbus Helicopters provides the spares parts required to support operators’ scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events, backed by the company’s resources for around-the-clock AOG support, its global supply chain network support, dedicated technical support network and personalized maintenance forecasting.

Addressing market expectations for availability commitments is Airbus Helicopters’ Performance-Based Services (PBS) offer. The company proposes four different comprehensive support packages including full logistics, maintenance and airworthiness management targeted at different customer missions and needs. The company signed a PBS contract for Lithuania’s Air Force at the end of 2013 – a six-year daily helicopter availability commitment – which ensures a successful entry into service for the operator’s Search and Rescue fleet.

To support the new EC175 helicopter’s entry-into-service, dedicated resources will be available to customers, including spare parts inventories in close proximity, six months of onsite technical assistance, and comprehensive training for pilots prior to first delivery. Training will be done on the EC175 Flight Navigation Procedure Training (FNPT) and Level D Full Flight Simulator, both located in Marignane and operational in spring and summer 2014, respectively. As the fleet expands, other EC175 Full Flight Simulators will be deployed in those regions where customers put the aircraft into service, including the southern United States by 2016. Operators of the EC145 T2 can likewise expect a service portfolio that includes training and operations, system and software maintenance, and turnkey solutions, as well as a Full Flight Simulator to be deployed in Donäuworth, Germany in 2015.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact:

Airbus Helicopters and Priority 1 Air Rescue sign a cooperation agreement for delivery of SAR training

Anaheim, California, 27 February 2014

Airbus Helicopters today signed a cooperation agreement with Priority 1 Air Rescue for the delivery of search and rescue (SAR) training.

The agreement’s signing was at the 2014 Heli-Expo convention in Anaheim, California by Matthieu Louvot, Airbus Helicopters’ Senior Vice President - Support and Services, and Brad Matheson, the President of Priority 1 Air Rescue. It enhances the capability of Airbus Helicopter to offer to its customers the highest standard of training on their missions.

“Enlarging the panel of training services we can offer to our customer is one of our priorities, and we are happy to provide unparalled, high-quality SAR training with Priority 1 Air Rescue,” Louvot said.

Matheson added: “We are pleased to establish this cooperation with Airbus Helicopters, considering the quality of their products for search and rescue missions, and are striving to improve safety and efficiency by delivering the highest standard of training.”

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact:

Waypoint Leasing to acquire 12 EC225 and 25 EC145 T2 rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters

Transaction emphasizes the growing role of lessors in helicopter fleet deployment

Anaheim, California, 25 February 2014

Two major Waypoint Leasing orders with Airbus Helicopters were announced today as the global helicopter lessor intends to acquire 37 EC225 and EC145 T2 rotorcraft.

These key transactions, Waypoint’s first deliveries in 2014, were detailed at the 2014 Heli-Expo industry convention in Anaheim, California, where Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury and Waypoint Leasing CEO Ed Washecka jointly announced the bookings.

With deliveries planned through 2017, Waypoint Leasing will further expand its portfolio of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft – which already includes two EC225s purchased last year for offshore operations in Australia through sale and leasebacks with oil and gas operator Bond Helicopters Australia.

(©J. Miller - 2014)

“Today’s agreement with Airbus Helicopters significantly expands our fleet and brings real advantages to some of the world’s leading operators that rely on our services,” Washecka explained. “Our relationship with Airbus Helicopters will allow us to provide our customers with a wider range of aircraft to better meet their needs and accomplish their missions prudently and
efficiently.”

The latest orders follow a framework agreement signed last year that enables Waypoint Leasing to propose cost-effective solutions through commercial and marketing resources coordinated with Airbus Helicopters – including the full benefits of Airbus Helicopters’ comprehensive Parts-by-the- Hour (PBH) support services.

“We are taking our relationship to new heights today with major orders that are tailor-made for Waypoint Leasing’s requirements,” Faury said. “This further underscores the value of leasing when helicopter manufacturers and leasing companies work together to ensure heli-lift capacity is aligned with market demand.”

Waypoint Leasing’s EC145 T2s will be powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, and delivered in a versatile configuration to address multiple markets – primarily offshore missions and emergency medical services. These powerful multi-role helicopters are the latest evolution of Airbus Helicopters’ twin-engine EC145 family, combining the company’s advanced technologies that include an advanced cockpit design and modern Helionix avionics, four-axis autopilot and the Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor.

The EC225 is a high-performance, heavy twin-engine helicopter in the 10-11 metric ton category. As the newest version from the Super Puma family, it incorporates modern technologies. With a seating capacity of 19 passengers, the EC225 is recognized as the reference for offshore and passenger transport missions, as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations. Its high useful load and five-blade main rotor, together with low vibration levels, make this aircraft an efficient solution for oil and gas missions and business aviation transportation.

About Waypoint Leasing (www.waypointleasing.com)
Waypoint Leasing is a global helicopter leasing company that provides operating lease and financing solutions to helicopter operators worldwide. Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, and with operations in Darien, CT, Waypoint Leasing differentiates itself with a senior management team that has direct helicopter operating and leasing experience in key helicopter markets around the world, having leased helicopters across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America. Waypoint Leasing serves a wide range of sectors including oil and gas, emergency medical service, search and rescue, firefighting and governmental support. Further information is available at www.waypointleasing.com.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact:

LCI orders six Airbus Helicopters EC175s; becomes an EC225e launch customer, ordering 15

New Airbus Helicopters customer places first order valued at $645 million for up to 21 rotorcraft

Anaheim, California, 25 February 2014

Lease Corporation International (LCI), the Libra Group’s aviation leasing arm, will acquire as many as 21 new Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft in a contract involving both the next-generation EC175 and the newly-unveiled EC225e. The total contract value is estimated in commercial terms to be around US$645 million with delivery scheduled to commence in 2016.

The major commitment was announced today at the 2014 Heli-Expo convention in Anaheim, California, marking LCI’s initial transaction with Airbus Helicopters. It involves up to six orders for the EC175, along with as many as 15 of the Super Puma family’s EC225e version when it becomes available.

“This is our first contract with Airbus Helicopters, and we are delighted to be entering into partnership with them,” said LCI Executive Chairman Crispin Maunder. “Airbus Helicopters has a world-renowned reputation in the industry, and the availability of these particular models will be very attractive to our expanding customer base as they continually demand the latest technology helicopters. We are very happy to support them by providing quality aircraft together with innovative financing.”

(©J. Miller - 2014)

All of the ordered aircraft will be deployed among LCI’s global lessee base through its helicopter leasing division – which was established in early 2012 and has quickly became a major name in the sector.

“LCI’s order validates our high expectations for the future of the EC175, which is confirmed as a top choice among oil and gas operators,” added Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury. “In addition, we couldn’t be happier having LCI as a launch customer for the EC225e – a helicopter we’ve developed to respond to operators’ requirements for extended-range missions, particularly in support of deep-water oil and gas airlift duties.”

As a member of Airbus Helicopters’ workhorse Super Puma family, the new twin-engine EC225e version announced today at Heli-Expo has enhanced capabilities that include more payload, an additional fuel tank for very long range flights, a new cabin layout for improved passenger comfort and new avionics to significantly increase pilots’ situational awareness while reducing workload.

The EC225e will be powered by new Turbomeca Makila 2B turboshaft engines for improved performance, providing 550 kg additional payload. Such gain will provide a radius-of-action extended by 50 nautical miles with 19 passengers or 10 passengers up to 300 Nm with a new fuel tank . Certification of the EC225e is targeted for late 2015, followed by the start-up of deliveries in mid-2016.

The LCI order for Airbus Helicopters’ EC175 expands the customer base for this twin-engine rotorcraft, which received European certification in January. As a versatile helicopter, it is capable of missions ranging from oil and gas, search and rescue, and emergency medical services to homeland security, police and corporate/business aviation. The EC175 can accommodate two pilots with up to18 passengers and a maximum weight of 7,500 kg. (16,535 lb.) in all configurations.

Incorporated in the EC175 is Airbus Helicopters’ new Helionix® avionics suite, which provides increased safety through reduced pilot workload, enhanced situational awareness, improved flight envelope protection and system redundancy.

Airbus Helicopters has committed significant resources to ensure optimized aircraft maturity and a successful service entry for the EC175, supported by a dedicated task force and tools that include validated support and services deliverables, along with the establishment of training capabilities. As part of this strategy, the company is locating Level D full-flight simulators and other training systems in France and the U.S.

About LCI (www.lciaviation.com)
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), an international business group with 30 subsidiaries operating across five continents. Libra Group’s subsidiaries are primarily focused on aviation, shipping, hospitality, energy and real estate. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has acquired fixed wing and rotary aircraft with a value of around US$6 billion. LCI is also a launch customer for the Bombardier CSeries with a US$1.4 billion order for up to forty aircraft. Its helicopter leasing division was established in 2012 with a US$400m order for AgustaWestland helicopters. More recently KKR Financial Holdings agreed to invest more than $100 million in LCI’s helicopter unit to tap growing demand from the oil and gas sector.

About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact: