Blackcomb Aviation’s AS350 B3e. Photo: Vitek Zawada.
Fort Erie, Ontario – Blackcomb Aviation Expands Fleet with the Purchase of an AS350 B3e from Eurocopter Canada
On October 2nd, 2012, Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) delivered one AS350 B3e to Blackcomb Aviation for its utility and heli-skiing operations in British Columbia. Blackcomb currently operates seven Eurocopter aircraft, including one AS350 B3, one AS350 B2, four AS355s, one EC130 B4 and one EC120 B.
“Acquisition of the AS350 B3e is an investment in the continued safety and efficiency of our utility and heli-skiing operations,” said Blackcomb Aviation’s CEO, Sacha McLean. “It will be put to very good use by our customers and is in keeping with our commitment to provide them with modern, high performance aircraft.”
The AS350 B3e is the latest from Eurocopters’ AStar family and the most successful light helicopter platform on the market today. The AS350 B3 offers high-performance and is capable of carrying out the most demanding missions in challenging geographical environments and under extreme weather conditions.
“We are pleased to assist Blackcomb grow its fleet with their selection of an AS350 B3e,” said Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “This aircraft continuously proves its worth for utility and high-altitude missions, making it a natural fit for Blackcomb.”
Blackcomb’s AS350 B3e includes an integrated Garmin 500H Glass Cockpit Package. The aircraft will also be equipped with ECL designed Optional Equipment, including Battery relocation kit, Forward cargo rear opening door, L/H squirrel cheek, Longline release, Longlining enlarged floor window, Cargo mirror, Cowling maintenance steps, Wire strike protection system, and Airframe fuel filter.
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. 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. 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 Eurocopter Canada and the Eurocopter Group
Eurocopter Canada (www.eurocopter.ca) is a market leader with 67 percent of new aircraft sales, supporting more than 620 aircraft that are operated by 160 customers across Canada. Eurocopter Canada, a subsidiary of Eurocopter is based in Fort Erie, Ontario, with operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec and has a customer support network that spans the entire country. Eurocopter Group, established in 1992, 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. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service for some 2,900 customers 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 Blackcomb Aviation
Blackcomb Aviation is the Pacific Northwest’s leading independent helicopter and jet charter company. It has been providing specialized aviation services to industries, business travelers, and private citizens since 1989. Blackcomb currently operates 25 aircraft out of bases in Vancouver/Richmond at YVR, Victoria, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Bridge River Valley, Lillooet, and Sechelt. The company also provides aircraft management services for other aircraft owners. Blackcomb Aviation’s longstanding reputation for safety and service is their principal asset.
| For more information, please contact: | |
| Laura Senecal Tel: (905) 871-7772 Cel: (905) 321-7738 laura.senecal[at]eurocopter.ca Eurocopter Canada Limited |
Julie Guérin Tel: + 33 4 42 85 59 64 Cel: + 33 6 22 00 34 73 julie.guerin[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Group |
| Stéphane Chéry Tel : + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51 Cel : + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23 stephane.chery[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Group |
Tricia Finn Tel: (604) 453-5093 Mob: (604) 787-3727 tfinn[at]blackcombaviation.com Blackcomb Aviation |
Website: http://www.eurocopter.com/
Website: www.blackcombaviation.com
