Fort Erie, ON – June 29 2006
Highland Helicopters Ltd, headquartered in Richmond, BC has purchased two additional new AS350B2’s, from Eurocopter Canada Limited. Highland selected the AS350B2 as a compliment to their existing group of 13 Eurocopter AS350 aircraft. The first helicopter was delivered earlier this month and the second aircraft is due for delivery in early July – both aircraft were required for immediate contracts.
“Highland made the decision to purchase two more AS350B2’s for several reasons”, said Gerry Corley-Smith, Operations Manager. “We chose the B2 because of the spacious cabin, great visibility, for both pilots and passengers and overall strong performance. The B2 speed, range and payload were all important factors in our decision. Our primary missions include passenger transport, forestry, and surveying, exploration in the oil and gas industries, mining, in addition to fighting forest fires. The B2 is exceptional for initial attack when fighting fires; the speed, range and useful load allow the pilot to stay and support of the crew with the aircraft for over an hour.”
Highland Helicopters Ltd. has been operating in Western Canada since 1959. Highland operates a fleet of 40 helicopters from 21 permanent bases strategically located throughout, Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. Highland Helicopters employs up to 90 highly skilled employees who, with their management team, provide year round helicopter services for their customers’ various missions.
The single engine AS 350B2, powered with a SAFRAN ARRIEL 1D1 engine of 732 shp (546 kW) has a proven track record of superior performance. The AS350B2 is a very sought-after helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions. For utility missions this helicopter is able to carry external loads of 2,557lbs, with a maximum weight of 5,512lbs. Its spacious and comfortable cabin can accommodate up to 7 passengers, while providing low vibration and noise levels.
Eurocopter is very proud to see the AS350B2 again selected for operations in Canada. The AS350 series of aircraft which includes the B2, B3 and newer generation EC130B4, have all proven to be an excellent fit for Canada’s strong utility market. This is largely due to the reliability and low operating costs associated with this aircraft.
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) a subsidiary of Eurocopter, is based in Fort Erie and is currently providing full customer service for 400 Eurocopter helicopters in Canada, with parts distribution centres conveniently located in Fort Erie, Montreal, and Richmond (BC). Eurocopter is the world’s the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer. In 2005 Eurocopter generated revenues of € 3.21 billion and employed a workforce of 12,500 worldwide. The company offers the broadest range of helicopters in the industry. More than 9,500 Eurocopter helicopters are in service in 139 countries with 2,500 customers.
Eurocopter in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of € 31.8 billion and employed a workforce of about 110,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second-largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.
| For more information, please contact: | |
| Laura SENECAL Tel : + 905 871-7772 Fax :+ 905 871-3599 laura.senecal[at]eurocopter.ca Eurocopter Canada Limited |
Jean Louis ESPES Tel : + 33 (0)4 42 85 95 55 Fax :+ 33 (0)4 42 85 95 64 jean-louis.espes[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter |
| Christina GOTZHEIN Tel : + 49 (0) 89 6000 64 88 Fax :+ 49 (0) 89 6000 44 37 christina.gotzhein[at]eurocopter.comEurocopter Deutschland GmbH |
Jesus RUIZ Tel: +34 91 379.66.04 Fax: +34 91 379 66 10 jesus.ruiz[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter España, S.A |
Website: www.eurocopter.com
