The Southern Service Flight Company (SSFC) of Vietnam has signed a contract with Eurocopter South East Asia for a third EC225, with an option for another, to be added to its fleet for offshore oil and gas operations. It is scheduled to be delivered in early 2013.

SSFC purchased its first rotary-wing aircraft from Eurocopter in 1986, and specializes in the provision of helicopter services for the oil and gas industry. With a fast-expanding business base, SSFC’s Eurocopter fleet grew to a total of eight helicopters, comprising both medium and heavyweight aircraft.

“The EC225 is a very powerful and reliable helicopter that has served us well over the years,” explained SSFC Director, Captain Vi Cong Dung. “Offshore operations are subject to many challenging situations. The EC225 with its advanced technologies, possesses all the necessary qualities for our demanding operations.”

In addition to the EC225s, SSFC has four AS332 L2 heavy twin-engine helicopters, which also are members of Eurocopter’s world-renowned Super Puma family. The remainder of its Eurocopter fleet is composed of two EC155 Dauphin family helicopters.

“We are encouraged by the trust that our customers have placed in our products, and the opportunity to further strengthen our long-term partnership. This latest EC225 contract is also a testimony to the strength of Eurocopter helicopters in serving the needs of oil and gas operators,” said Dr. Bernhard Brenner, the President of Eurocopter South East Asia. “Vietnam is a growing market with strong potential, and is certainly one of our key areas in Southeast Asia.”

The EC225 is a high-performance heavy twin-engine helicopter in the 10-11 metric ton category. It seats up to 24 passengers, with the latest technologies that make it a leader in the field of flight safety. The EC225 is recognized as the reference for offshore and passenger transport missions, as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Eurocopter’s business activities with the EC225 in Asia have gained further momentum in recent years, including the supply of 12 EC725 military versions to the Royal Malaysian Air Force for SAR and utility missions; the order of three EC225s by the Japan Coast Guard for use in SAR and law enforcement; as well as the delivery of two EC225s to the Rescue & Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport in China.

EADS press release

Photo: M. van Leeuwen Z.A.P.P.