Heli-Expo, Dallas, Texas – Eurocopter Canada Confirms Sale of AS350 B3e to Wood Buffalo Helicopters
The delivery of an AS350 B3e by Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) marks Wood Buffalo Helicopters’ sixth purchase of Eurocopter aircraft for its growing fleet. The AS350 B3e will assist Wood Buffalo with a range of missions alongside 4 AS350 B2 and 2 EC120 aircraft.
“We are continuously impressed by Eurocopter products and support,” said Michael Morin, President & CEO, Wood Buffalo Helicopters. “From their Sales and Tech Reps to Spares Support, we always receive prompt service from the entire Eurocopter Canada team. Quality is reflected through both their customer care and products, providing us with the tools we need to service our clients more effectively.”
The AS350 B3e provides additional lifting power, which will assist Wood Buffalo clientele with drill moves, fire suppression, environmental monitoring support, oil field surveying and external load missions. The refined engine design will improve TBO, as well as ongoing operating costs.
“We look forward to helping Wood Buffalo Helicopters grow its business through enhanced value and service with their recent purchase of an AS350 B3e,” said Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “The AS350 B3e provides dual hydraulics and innovative safety features that are essential when providing service to the important Oil and Gas industry.”
The commonalities found between the AS350 B3e, the AS350 B2 and the EC120 will allow Wood Buffalo to streamline its Pilot and AME training through lower time and cost maintenance.
The AS350 B3e is a high-performance helicopter capable of carrying out the most demanding missions in extreme weather and geographical conditions. 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.
An enhanced version of Eurocopter’s single-engine AS350 B3, the AS350 B3e has exceptional lifting capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed, making it the leader in its class. 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. 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.
About ECL & Eurocopter Group
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario, with operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec – has a customer support network that spans the entire country. Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group 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. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service 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 Wood Buffalo Helicopters
Wood Buffalo Helicopters operates a fleet of light and intermediate helicopters from its main base in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada and several other sub-bases in Alberta. Their fleet is equipped “utility-plus”, providing advanced communications and tracking equipment and gear for all typical utility missions, plus additional equipment to ensure more productive and efficient flights. Wood Buffalo Helicopters has expertise in Oil & Gas field support, surveying, environmental monitoring, wildlife management and capture, mineral exploration, fire suppression & forest management, Oilsands tourism and HD Video production. Wood Buffalo Helicopters has over 25 years of experience serving Northeastern Alberta.
| 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 CHERY Tel : + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51 Cel : + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23 stephane.chery[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Group |
Michael MORIN Tel: (780) 743-5588 Cel: (780) 598-1820 operations[at]woodbuffalohelicopters.ca Wood Buffalo Helicopters |
Website: www.eurocopter.com
