China Helicopter Exposition 2011

During China’s inaugural helicopter exposition being held this week in Tianjin, Eurocopter will showcase three of its most successful models currently operating in the country: the AS350 B3, EC135 and EC225.
Eurocopter currently has a 40 percent share in this marketplace with over 120 helicopters operating in the region, and it foresees a large potential for growth as China’s general aviation sector continues to liberalize – along with an opening of the low-altitude airspace.

“Our priority is to work with all key Chinese sectors – including government agencies, private operators and industry – in furthering the role of helicopters throughout the country,” said Eurocopter President and CEO Lutz Bertling. “This builds on Eurocopter’s commitment to China, which is based on our more than four decades as China’s leading helicopter partner and a today’s in-country presence unmatched by any other foreign helicopter producer.”

The company is participating at the China Helicopter Exposition 2011 – being held September 15-18 at the Tianjin Airport Industrial Park – with a display on Stand C35 in Hall C, highlighting the light single-engine AS350 B3, the light twin-engine EC135, and heavy twin-engine EC225.

“In a country the size of China, helicopters will play an increasingly important role in economic development,” explained Bruno Boulnois, the CEO of Eurocopter China. “To operate effectively in this expanding market, Eurocopter is taking a comprehensive approach that ensures customers’ needs are fully handled, from commercial support and after-sales service to the training of pilots and technicians. The network covering these major services is now operating within China’s major cities, providing timely and cost-efficient services and solutions to customers.”

Eurocopter’s AS350 B3 is the company’s “best-seller” in China for utility work, including power line survey missions. This high-performance single-engine helicopter outclasses its competition in terms of performance, versatility and safety. It excels in hot conditions and very high altitudes, holding the record as the only helicopter to have landed on top of Mount Everest. Together with other models in Eurocopter’s Ecureuil product line, there currently are a total of 26 helicopters from this rotary-wing aircraft family operating in China – mostly for utility work and heli-tourism operations.

The popular EC135 light twin-engine helicopter already is a proven success in China with the Shanghai and Guangdong police forces. Highly versatile, it can be configured for many different missions, including emergency medical services and disaster management, along with search and rescue duties. Features include a large cabin; rear and side access for easy stretcher loading; protected tail rotor; and low noise and vibration levels. The EC135’s cabin flexibility and comfort have made it a sought-after model for corporate and VIP transport, leading to the collaboration with French luxury label Hermès for an exclusive, high-end version.

Eurocopter’s heavy twin-engine EC225 is a member of the company’s Super Puma family, and is recognized worldwide as the best multi-purpose helicopter in the 10/11-metric-ton class of rotary-wing aircraft. It has served many nations in various capacities, including homeland security, search and rescue, fire-fighting and multiple other public services. A total of 10 EC225s currently are operating in China, with one from the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department being deployed during the Guangzhou Asian Games. The most recent two deliveries of EC225s were made to the China Ministry of Transport’s Rescue & Salvage Bureau in June and August.

Source and photo: Eurocopter