“L’Hélicoptère par Hermès”: elegance in motion

“L’Hélicoptère par Hermès” is a singular experiment in collaborative engineering and design which was not founded on a straightforward combination of skills, (technical on one hand and “decorative” on the other) but on a truly mutual evolution on dialogue and research between Eurocopter engineers and Hermès designers and craftmen. The key concept of “l’Helicoptère par Hermès” is: the passenger is all important. Issues of style versus engineering are resolved to provide an uncompromisingly user-centric experience.

Based on the EC135, the world leader in the new generation of light, twin-engine helicopters, “l’Hélicoptère par Hermès” unites the most advanced aircraft technologies developed by Eurocopter with the savoir-faire of Hermès, which has accompanied discerning travellers for more than 170 years.
Combining a spacious cabin with a seating capacity for four passengers, ample storage compartment and lateral sliding doors, the EC135 - Eurocopter’s best-selling light multimission, twin-engined helicopter with an unusually low noise-signature - provided an ideal template for the Hermès designer and craftsmen.
Hermès’ distinctive signature is apparent across the aircraft’s exterior and interior design treatment.
Sliding doors on the helicopter open to reveal an interior configuration that is pure, light-filled and unexpectedly spacious. The cabin was completely redesigned by Hermès Interior and Design to maximize available space. Canvas “Toile H”, traditionally used by Hermès for travel goods is used to cover the cockpit.
Seats and banquette are handcrafted for exceptional comfort, and upholstered in calf leather, naturally grained and highly resistant.
A sliding glass partition now separates the passenger compartment and cockpit, enhancing privacy while allowing light to enter from the aircraft’s fore-section.
The landing gear has been redesigned to allow for easier and more elegant access to the cabin.

About Hermès
In 2007, Hermès employed near 7,500 men and women worldwide. The Group’s consolidated sales reached 1,625 million euros, distributed evenly among its four geographical areas: the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe.
Under the Hermès umbrella, 26 subsidiaries operate stores all over the world and distribute products made by the four production units: Hermès Sellier, Hermès Parfums, La Montre Hermès, and La Table Hermès.
The full range of products designed and made under the control of the Hermès brand is sold through a network of 290 stores and 37 other retail outlets.
The Hermès name appears on 16 different groups of products: Leather, Scarves, Ties, Men’s and Women’s Ready-to-Wear, Perfume, Watches, Diaries, Hats, Gloves, Footwear, Enamel, Art of Living, Tableware, Jewellery, and Hermès Interieur et Design, working on this helicopter, for example.

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.