| The flight simulator which will be operational in two years time in
the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, will be designed to recreate the
cockpit environment and missions of a EC725 helicopter. It will be used
notably to train the pilots who will fly the 50 military EC725
helicopters that will be built for the first time on Helibras’
assembly lines in Itajubá, in the state of Minas Gerais. The
simulators will improve flight safety by providing optimal training
regardless of weather conditions and aircraft availability and
simulating the toughest missions in complete safety.
Eurocopter President Lutz Bertling stated:
“Eurocopter’s strategy is to develop its support and
services activity and to promote a proactive pilot training policy.
Over the last few months, we have introduced numerous simulators for
the EC225 in France, the EC135 in Germany and the United States, and
the NH90 in Germany. The forthcoming introduction of the EC725
simulator in Brazil and in Malaysia will broaden our offer and meet the
expectations of our customers in this growing area of strategic
importance.”
True to its policy of internationalization,
Eurocopter has a major presence in Latin America: Helibras was set up
in 1978, Eurocopter Mexico in 1982, and Eurocopter Chile in 2001. More
than 500 employees work at these three subsidiaries. One thousand
Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service in Latin America.
Eurocopter is the only helicopter manufacturer with production
facilities in Latin America. The AStar/Ecureuil model is made in Brazil
(known as Esquilo) and production will soon begin on the EC725, which
will lead to Helibras doubling its staff strength to that of 600
persons with a reinforced engineering centre. Eurocopter’s three
Latin American subsidiaries also customize and maintain aircraft, and
provide a full range of services.
Eurocopter’s recent
successes will strengthen the Group’s presence in Latin America
even further. In addition to the contract for 50 EC725s for the
Brazilian armed forces, the Mexican Ministry of Defense ordered six
EC725s in March.
About Eurocopter
Established
in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of
EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The
Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter
confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter
manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5
billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market
share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s
products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet.
Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five
continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified
agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters
are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140
countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter
range in the world.
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