Wuhan, China, 7 November 2011
The three helicopters are
the first Eurocopter models to be included in Wuhan Helicopter’s fleet,
and comprise two AS350 B3e and one EC120 B. Intended for utility
missions, they are scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of
2013.
A signing ceremony was held on Saturday, 5
November, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, between Wuhan Helicopter and
Eurocopter China for the order of two AS350 B3e and one EC120 B light
single-engine helicopters, for use in utility missions.
Senior
officials in attendance at the ceremony included Nathalie
Kosciusko-Morizet, French Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development,
Transport and Housing, Thierry Mariani, French Minister for Transport,
Li Hongzhong, Party Secretary of Hubei Province, Wang Guosheng, Governor
of Hubei Province, Ruan Chengfa, Party Secretary of Wuhan City and Tang
Liangzhi, Mayor of Wuhan City.
“We are very proud that Wuhan Helicopter has selected two of
our most popular light modern helicopters, which reinforces the
worldwide recognition of their capabilities,” stated Eurocopter China
CEO, Bruno Boulnois. “The versatility and reliability of the EC120 B and
AS350 B3 make them the ideal choice for general aviation multi-mission
activities in China’s vast and varied terrains, as well as extreme
climate conditions.”
There are currently about 1,000 AS350 B3
helicopters in service across 57 countries. Since its first flight, this
model has logged nearly two million flight hours, displaying exception
lifting power, high endurance, extended range and fast cruising speed.
The AS350 B3e is an enhanced version of the Ecureuil family, introduced
earlier this year at the Heli-Expo in Orlando, equipped with a more
powerful engine, new-generation FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine
Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring. Wuhan
Helicopter will be one of the first operators in China to receive the
new enhanced model.
The EC120 B is a light aircraft designed for
mission flexibility. It can be easily reconfigured for whatever tasks
required of it. China plays a key role in the EC120 development program –
since 1997, it has been producing the airframe structures in Harbin,
which are then sent to France for final assembly. To date, over 680
EC120 Bs have been delivered worldwide, and have completed over
1,000,000 flight hours.
Liu Bichao, Chairman of Wuhan Helicopter,
expressed his confidence in the acquisition, noting that “Eurocopter
has a good track record of providing utility helicopters in China, with
proven capability and reliability globally. Coupled with their ability
to provide proximity services, this is truly a value proposition that
meets our needs.”
In China, there are currently 27 Ecureuil
helicopters in service, with many more orders in the pipeline mostly for
utility missions; and eight EC120 B mainly for business aviation and
utility use. The very first EC120 B ordered by a private hospital for
helicopter emergency medical operations was delivered in early 2011.
In
addition to this purchasing contract, Eurocopter China and Wuhan
Helicopter have also sealed a partnership agreement to synergize and
develop their general aviation activities to better support emerging
customers in the area.
“We managed to secure Wuhan Helicopter as
our first customer within six months of our Wuhan office opening, which
is indicative of the huge growth potential of the helicopter market in
Central China. This is certainly a great way to celebrate the launch of
our newest branch office, in addition to our operations in Shanghai,
Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Harbin and Hong Kong,” added Boulnois.
About Eurocopter
Established
in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of
EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The
Eurocopter Group employs approximately 17,500 people. In 2010,
Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter
manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market with a turnover of 4.8
billion Euros, orders for 346 new helicopters and a 49 percent market
share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s
helicopters account for 33 percent of the total worldwide civil and
parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong worldwide presence is ensured by
its 30 subsidiaries and participations on five continents, along with a
dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers.
There are currently 11,360 Eurocopter helicopters in service and some
2,900 customers in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil
and military helicopter range in the world.
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