American Eurocopter announced that Air Methods Corporation, the world’s largest air medical transportation provider, has ordered eight EC130 and four AS350 B3 helicopters.
The deal was finalized during a breakfast meeting at the Eurocopter booth today.

After the breakfast, American Eurocopter President and CEO Marc Paganini said, “Air Methods is a valued, long-time customer and we respect their continued commitment to the air medical industry and to incorporating advanced technology to increase the safe operation of their aircraft. We will continue to support them and work with them as they grow their company and strive for better solutions for the air medical industry and for their customers.”

The order is part of an ongoing Air Method’s initiative to maintain the upgrade of its fleet despite the economic challenges throughout the country. All 12 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered this year and they will join Air Methods’ considerable fleet of 330 helicopters providing emergency medical services throughout the United States.

The AS350 family of helicopters provides the air medical community with economical cost of operation, reliability and performance capabilities to meet or exceed mission requirements. The EC130 offers unique advantages to the air medical market in cabin size and operational safety features. The aircraft is equipped with dual hydraulics, dual channel FADEC, VEMD and a Fenestron tail rotor, known for its safety advantages and low noise operation. These aircraft will be completed with state-of-the-art medical interiors from Air Methods’ Product Division.

Air Methods Corporation (http://www.airmethods.com) is a leader in emergency air medical transportation and medical services. The company Air Methods operates a variety of Eurocopter products, including EC130s, EC135s, EC145s, AS350s, AS365s, BK117s and BO105s and its Air Medical Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals.

About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter’s product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS, that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.