Heli-Expo, Dallas, Texas – Eurocopter Canada Delivers the High-Performance AS350 B3e to Canadian Helicopters Limited
Photo: AS350 B3e Delivery Ceremony, credit Mr. Patrick Gertner; (left to right) Dr. Lutz Bertling Eurocopter, CEO, Mr. Guy Joannes, Eurocopter Canada, President and CEO, Mr. Don Wall, Canadian Helicopters Limited, President and CEO
The latest purchase of an AS350 B3e aircraft by Canadian Helicopters will assist with demanding utility missions and will increase its current fleet to 75 Eurocopter aircraft. The addition of the AS350 B3e will contribute to CH’s corporate rebranding, which has been reflected through its growing international presence with the recent acquisition of Helicopters NZ (HNZ) in July 2011.
“Canadian Helicopters is pleased to introduce the AS350 B3e helicopter to provide the latest technology, combined with increased capabilities and increased levels of safety. This aircraft is delivered in our new corporate livery. The new look is being introduced across our fleet as the first step towards building our new brand, and was chosen to represent our dynamic and growing worldwide helicopter operations,” said Mr. Don Wall, President and CEO, Canadian Helicopters Limited.
Photo: AS350 B3e inflight, photo credit Mr. Jay Miller
With the purchase of HNZ, CH now has over 800 employees operating from 49 locations worldwide, a total of 155 aircraft and last twelve months revenue reaching $240 million. Incorporating over 65 years of experience has further strengthened CH as a market leader in helicopter operation and support.
“We appreciate that CH continues its commitment to Eurocopter products, which has been further solidified by their recent selection of an AS350 B3e,” said Mr. Guy Joannes, President & CEO, Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL). “Versatility and safety make this aircraft an appropriate choice for any type of challenging mission.”
The AS350 B3e is an enhanced version of Eurocopter’s single-engine AS350 B3, offering a high-performance helicopter capable of carrying out the most demanding missions in extreme weather and geographical conditions. Its exceptional lifting capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class.
Features of the AS350 B3e include the Safran Arriel 2D turboshaft engine with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring. The integration of Eurocopter’s dual-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) in the cockpit allows pilots to check primary aircraft and engine parameters in one glance – thus reducing workload and enhancing safety. Eurocopter’s application of composite materials for the helicopter’s airframe, rotors and main rotor head gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
About ECL & Eurocopter Group
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario, with operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec – has a customer support network that spans the entire country. 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 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 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 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 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.
About Canadian Helicopters Limited
Canadian Helicopters Group (CH Group) is an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services with fixed primary operations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and regions of Southeast Asia. The company also supplies on demand support operations in Afghanistan and Antarctica. CH Group employs over 800 personnel with corporate offices in Montreal (Canada), Edmonton (Canada), Nelson (New Zealand), and Perth (Australia), and is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CHL.A and CHL.B). CH Group operates under two brands: Canadian Helicopters Limited (CHL) and Helicopters New Zealand (HNZ).
CH Group operates a fleet of 155 light, medium and heavy lift helicopters. Charter operations are provided to a variety of industries including oil and gas, construction, communications, powerline transmission, air ambulance operations, search & rescue, mineral exploration, military support and environmental conservation. In addition to charter services, Canadian Helicopters offers flight training and third party repair and maintenance services including the Repair and Overhaul of Eurocopter products.
| For more information, please contact: | |
| Laura SENECAL Tel: (905) 871-7772 Fax: (905) 871-3599 laura.senecal[at]eurocopter.ca Eurocopter Canada Limited |
Don WALL Tel: (780) 429-6900 dwall[at]canadianhelicopters.com Canadian Helicopters Limited |
| Julie GUÉRIN Tel: 011 334 4285 5964 Cel: 011 336 2200 3473 julie.guerin[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Group |
Stéphane CHERY Tel : + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51 Cel : + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23 stephane.chery[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Group |
Website: www.eurocopter.com
