For more than 50 years, Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) has been at the forefront of rotorcraft innovation.
MBB Helicopter Canada Limited (Airbus Helicopter Canada Limited’s original name) was founded in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1984.
It was the fruit of a successful negotiation between Airbus Helicopters Canada’s predecessor – MBB Helicopters, Fleet Aerospace and the Canadian and Ontario governments, who wanted to create a domestic helicopter industry.
Starting with a five-year government contract that included domestic sales of the Bo105 and BK117 and “world product mandate” to assemble and modify the light twin-engine Bo105 LS helicopter, MBB Helicopter Canada Limited soon made a name for itself in the Canadian aerospace market.
Re-named Eurocopter Canada Limited in 1992, Airbus Helicopters Canada’s helicopter portfolio expanded as a result of the merger of the rotorcraft divisions of Aerospatiale (France) and Deutsche Aerospace (Germany) to create the Eurocopter Group.
In addition to gaining the sales and support responsibility for the Aerospatiale product line, Airbus Helicopters Canada conducted extensive engineering research and development work on the Bo105 and EC135 helicopters with the support of the Canadian government from 1993 to 1996.
In 2014, the EADS group was rebranded as “Airbus”. Uniting all its activities under a single and strong brand, Eurocopter became Airbus Helicopters.
Airbus Helicopters Canada is a Canadian success story, with nearly 700 helicopters in service with 200 operators across the country.
The first Sud Aviation SE313 Alouette II helicopter is delivered to a Canadian customer. It is Canada’s first turbine-powered helicopter.
Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, a German aerospace company that developed the legendary Bo105 light twin-engine helicopter was invited by the Canadian and Ontario governments to set up a facility at Fort Erie, Ontario.
A German aerospace company that developed the legendary Bo105 light twin-engine helicopter was invited by the Canadian and Ontario governments to set up a facility at Fort Erie, Ontario.
Re-named Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) following the merger of the helicopter divisions of Aerospatiale (France) and Deutsche Aerospace (Germany). The merge saw the Aerospatiale helicopter portfolio added to the ECL product mandate.
Expansion of Fort Erie, Ontario & Richmond, British Columbia facilities.
25th anniversary year in Canada. Over 50% market share in new aircraft deliveries since last 10 years. Turnover of over C$ 90 million.
Delivery of the 600th Eurocopter Helicopter into the Canadian market.
Over 600 aircraft and 170 customers supported.
The rebranding of Eurocopter as Airbus Helicopters, effective January 2014, marks a new era in the history of the company. The company will also be celebrating 30 years in Canada.
In 2017, all Airbus Helicopters entities are rebranded under Airbus. Worldwide the name of the whole company is Airbus.
receiving the work package from France.