10/02/07
Eurocopter and its UK distributor, McAlpine Helicopters Ltd., are present at Helitech
with a joint booth (No. 1106) and a strong line-up of its state-of-the-art helicopters in the
Static Display. One of the three EC145s of the London Metropolitan Police is joined by
Eurocopter’s latest generation of private and corporate helicopters, all of them
customer aircraft – an EC120, EC130, EC135 and EC155.
Today, Eurocopter's market share in the UK and Ireland is 73% in the police and law
enforcement segment, 73% in the EMS market and around 50% in the corporate/private
segment.
With its modern product line, Eurocopter has responded to the increasing security
requirements in the British Isles and around the world by adapting its light twin-engined
helicopter family very specifically to meet the demands of homeland security operators. The
company is the world's leading helicopter supplier in this field. In the UK and Ireland, various
twin-engined Eurocopter models have gone into Police Air Support and EMS operations over
the past 25 years, originally the BO105, AS355 and BK117 and, more recently, the EC135 and
the EC145. The EC135 is the reference helicopter for police surveillance throughout the British
Isles. The larger EC145 is a complementary helicopter platform to the EC135, adding a new
dimension in terms of multi-role capability and lift capacity.
The corporate and private market segment is enjoying substantial growth at present. In the
UK., more than 190 corporate and private helicopters are Eurocopter products, which
amounts to a market share of approx. 50%. In Ireland, the private/corporate Eurocopter
helicopter fleet presently stands at 27 aircraft and has doubled over the past five years, with
particular emphasis on the EC130. The company’s single and twin-engine helicopters on
display at Helitech are prime examples of what this dynamic market demands today, offering
comfortable transport capacity from 4 to 13 passengers depending on model and
configuration.
Eurocopter in the UK and Ireland
McAlpine Helicopters Ltd. is the sole distributor of Eurocopter products in the UK and Ireland.
The Company specialises in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance and
spares support. Its in-house engineering capabilities include design, installation, flight-testing
and certification, with all of its 160 employees being committed to delivering first class
customer service. McAlpine develops advanced mission systems which have contributed to
over 70% in market share for the Police and the Emergency Medical Service sectors. The
Company is also able to offer a completion service to further adapt or modify helicopters to
meet the most demanding specific mission requirements along with providing VVIP
completions for corporate and private customers.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a
world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs
approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1
helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters,
and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s
products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide
presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of
distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter
helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter
offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
100 years of vertical flight
In 1907, Paul Cornu performed history’s first ever vertical flight. Since then, thanks to
pioneering spirits, technological advances and innovative minds, the helicopter has become a
key to saving lives, protecting citizens and contributing to economic development the world
over. In 2007, Eurocopter is proud to celebrate this anniversary and to share its passion for
helicopters.
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