Fort Erie ON, January 15, 2015 –Southwind Helicopters took delivery of an AS350 B2 from Airbus Helicopters Canada’s Fort Erie, ON facility. The leasing company, based in British Columbia, will be leasing the aircraft for heli-adventures, aerial delivery and forestry work.
“The AS350 B2 is a perfect fit for the multi-dimensional missions flown in the rugged terrain of British Columbia,” said Mr. John Goats, Owner, Southwind Helicopters. “We are extremely impressed with the quality and craftsmanship associated with Airbus Helicopters aircraft and are confident in our decision to purchase the versatile AS350 B2.”
The aircraft has been customized at the Airbus Helicopters Canada facility with optional equipment including a longline release and longlining enlarged floor window for slinging operations.
“We are pleased to deliver an aircraft with such a proven track record to Southwind Helicopters,” said Mr. Romain Trapp, President, Airbus Helicopters Canada. “The multi-purpose AS350 will be put to good use and we look forward to supporting the operation of this aircraft for years to come.”
The AS350 B2 is powered by a Safran Arriel 1D1 engine. Its flexibility and low acquisition cost have made it a very sought-after helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions including; passenger transportation, aerial work, training, observation, firefighting and law enforcement. With its spacious and comfortable cabin accommodating one pilot plus up to 6 passengers, the AS350 B2 is especially appreciated for its passenger transportation capabilities for VIP missions, tourist flights and public service tasks. Its wide cabin and panoramic view ensures optimum visibility for both passengers and crew.
About Airbus Helicopters Canada
Airbus Helicopters Canada is a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters and a leading supplier of helicopters in Canada. Our helicopters are used across the country in key parapublic and civil roles which include: law enforcement, emergency medical services, oil & gas, mining, firefighting, hydroelectric utilities, environmental surveys, tour and corporate transport. Airbus Helicopters was established in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1984 and has additional operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec as well as a support and customer service network in place to support a fleet of over 680 helicopters in the country. In 2014, the company celebrated 30 years of success in Canada.
About Airbus Helicopters
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 customer centers 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:
Stéphane Chéry Laura Senecal
Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51 Tel: 613-230-3902
Mob: + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23 Mob: 905-321-7738
stephane.chery@airbus.com laura.senecal@airbus.com
John Goats
Southwind Helicopters Inc.
Tel: 604-894-5363
