February 25th, 2008 – Heli Expo
The VIH Aviation Group has purchased six Eurocopter AS350 B3s, and signed options to purchase six more. Also known as the AStar, the B3 is a high performance single engine helicopter that offers more ceiling and more lifting capacity than its AS350 B2 cousin. In fact, the AS350 B3’s FADEC-equipped 847 shp Safran Arriel 2B engine delivers the highest performance in its category. The VIH Aviation Group is headquartered at the Victoria (BC) International Airport with bases strategically located throughout Western Canada, Newfoundland, the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska and China. The VIH Aviation Group, through its operating entities VIH Helicopters Ltd. and Cougar Helicopters, operate 65 helicopters of varying sizes and have an additional 26 more on order. The VIH Group is well positioned to service all sectors, some of which include natural resources, EMS, Tourism and Off Shore Oil.
“We’ve been flying AS350 B2s for years, and are very happy with this aircraft,” says Charlie Mooney, VIH Helicopters Ltd., General Manager. “However, by replacing some of our older B2s with B3s, we’ll be able to offer our clients an extra level of service. The increased performance of the B3 will allow us to carry larger payloads to higher altitudes. This will be useful for our North American clients, and will create opportunities for us in the international market as well.”
The AS350 B3 can carry 5-6 passengers, plus a pilot. It has a sling capacity of 3,085 lbs (versus the B2’s 2,555 lbs) and comes with a VEMD multifunction cockpit display to reduce pilot workload and fatigue. The AS350 B3 has a fast cruise speed of 140 knots, and a range of 359 nautical miles (without reserves). Inside, it is both spacious and comfortable.
“For power, safety and reliability, the AS350 B3 stands out in its class,” says Marie-Agnès Veve, President and CEO of Eurocopter Canada Limited. “It is the perfect single engine helicopter for operators looking for that extra measure of performance.“
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based, in Fort Erie, Ontario has a customer support network which spans the country. Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense 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 civilian/commercial and Para public 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 centers. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest range of commercial and military helicopters in the world.
| For more information, please contact: | |
| Laura SENECAL Tel : + 905 871-7772 Fax :+ 905 871-3599 laura.senecal[at]eurocopter.ca Eurocopter Canada Limited |
Cécile VION-LANCTUIT Tel: + 33 (0)1 49 34 45 04 Mob:+ 33 (0)6 72 83 90 67 cecile.vion-lanctuit[at]eurocopter.com |
| Christina GOTZHEIN Tel : + 49 (0) 89 6000 64 88 Fax :+ 49 (0) 89 6000 44 37 christina.gotzhein[at]eurocopter.com |
Jesus RUIZ Tel: +34 91 379.66.04 Fax: +34 91 379 66 10 jesus.ruiz[at]eurocopter.com |
| Christopher BACH Tel.: +49 (0) 906 71 45 65 Fax : +49 (0) 906 71 39 39 christopher.bach[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH |
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Website: www.eurocopter.com
