09/04/07
Eurocopter affirms its leading position in Asia Pacific, the most important civil
and parapublic growth market
For Eurocopter, the Asia-Pacific region is the most important civil and parapublic growth
market especially for corporate (passenger transport) missions. Eurocopter holds 52 % of
this market: around 1000 Eurocopter helicopters are in service today in the region.
In Hong Kong, Eurocopter has a market share of 46 % and an important presence in the
Corporate VIP segment. 50 % of the helicopters delivered since 2002 are Eurocopter
products. Government Flying Service (GFS) Hong Kong for instance, has an extensive fleet
of Dauphin EC 155 and Super Puma AS 332 helicopters employed for diverse missions such
as SAR, air ambulance, police support missions etc.
Proximity being an important aspect to obtaining customer satisfaction, Eurocopter is
represented in the region by 6 subsidiaries: Australian Aerospace, Eurocopter China,
Eurocopter Japan, Eurocopter Malaysia, Eurocopter Philippines and Eurocopter South East
Asia. The creation of a logistics platform in Hong Kong in 2005 has also helped to bring
spare parts closer to the customers in the whole of Asia including Australia.
Eurocopter exhibits a full range of light, medium and heavy twin engine helicopters at
Asian Aerospace 07
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EC135: This light twin helicopter combines superior performance, mission versatility and high flight safety. It is a powerful and extremely quiet helicopter, well adapted for
corporate transport missions, Emergency Medical Services and law enforcement. The
Shanghai Public Security Bureau for instance, has recently purchased 2 EC 135 in
April this year, to be deployed for police missions, including air patrol, air
reconnaissance and the pursuit of criminals. The EC 135 is already in operation in
Guangdong and has been ordered by several Asian countries. Until today, 553 EC135s
have been delivered internationally since it was launched in 1996. Germany, Sweden,
UAE are major customers of this helicopter.
- EC155: This medium weight twin engine helicopter is a member of the famous Dauphin
family, widely used by law enforcement authorities in Hong Kong (Government Flying
Service), Japan and Thailand (Royal Thai Police). The Shanghai Public Security
Bureau has also ordered 1 EC 155 in April, together with the 2 EC 135. The EC155
is a new generation of helicopter in terms of passengers comfort, piloting aids, safety and
performance. With long range capabilities it is particularly well adapted for troop transport
operations and VIP transport. A total of 871 Dauphin/EC155 have been delivered up to
now. The United States has been a long-term customer of the Dauphin, especially via the
U.S Coast Guards, who are currently operating a fleet of 96 helicopters.
- EC225: This latest addition to the Super Puma family performed its maiden flight in 2000.
It features, among other characteristics, the new 5-blade spheriflex rotor as well as an
innovative piloting and display system. This results in an improved performance, comfort
and a high survivability in most strenuous environments and weather conditions. This
versatile helicopter has been developed to perform a wide range of missions such as
Search and Rescue, Troop transport and Counter-terrorism operations as well as
Offshore and VIP transportation. The Chinese Ministry of Communications (MOC)
and Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (COHC) both recently acquired 2 EC 225
each, for SAR and Offshore missions respectively. Since 2000, 30 EC 225 have
been delivered. International offshore operators are today the main customers for this
helicopter.
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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