Farnborough, 17 July 2006
Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (COHC) and Eurocopter announce the signing of a contract for the supply of two EC225 helicopters at the Farnborough International Airshow. COHC is the largest offshore helicopter operator in Asia.
The EC225, which is the most advanced version in this twin-engine, medium-weight helicopter family, has an initial takeoff weight of 11,000 kg - or 11,200 kg with a sling load. The helicopter is designed for passenger transport, especially in the offshore and VIP sectors, and for search and rescue operations in the public domain.
These aircraft will be delivered at the end of 2007, and will be the first EC225s to be equipped with auxiliary pod tanks offering a radius of action greater than 250 NM for public passenger transport missions (including the regulatory fuel reserves) while maintaining the 19-passenger nominal capacity.
As the first EC225s in offshore configuration to be introduced in China, these aircraft will strengthen the COHC fleet - which already includes 10 AS 332 L1 Super Pumas, five EC 155 B and B1s, and five AS 365 Dauphins – and will consolidate the company’s position as the leader on the Chinese oil & gas market.
The EC225 features a new 5-bladed, Spheriflex-design main rotor, a reinforced main gearbox, new engines, and an innovative integrated piloting and display system. These new proven technologies have improved performances (speed, maneuverability), comfort (vibration, noise) and flight safety – qualities that are particularly appreciated by all the crews and passengers who have already flown on the helicopter.
This first order for the EC225 from COHC confirms Eurocopter’s supremacy on the heavy helicopter market in China, in the 10 metric ton class. “This year, we have received two major orders for the EC225 Super Puma in China: one from the Chinese Ministry of Transport, to cover its sea rescue requirements, and the other from the biggest Chinese offshore operator,” comments Mr. Norbert Ducrot, the Eurocopter Asia-Pacific Senior Vice President.
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. 13,000 people. In 2005, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.2 billion euros, orders for 401 new helicopters, and a 52 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 16 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 139 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
