Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer and a division of EADS, is pleased to receive the 2009 French-Japanese Investment Award, presented by the French Agency for International Investment (AFII) in Tokyo today. The agency’s mission is to promote Foreign Direct Investment by targeting potential investors and assisting them in the investment process.

Since 2004, the French-Japanese investment awards have been attributed each year by the AFII to companies that have made outstanding contributions to the economies of Japan or France through Foreign Direct Investment. The 2009 ceremony was attended by Mrs. Anne-Marie Idrac, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade.

At this occasion, Mr. Philippe Harache, Executive Vice-President Customers in Eurocopter declares, “Eurocopter is extremely honored to receive the 6th edition of the French investment award in Japan. For our company, this award underlines the recognition of the efforts we have made in the country for more than 40 years. By significantly increasing the portfolio of our value-added services locally, we are confident that we will better improve customer satisfaction and ensure our continued success.”

Eurocopter has been present in Japan for forty years. The Group has captured a 57% share of the Japanese civil and parapublic helicopter market, with 360 Eurocopter helicopters currently in service in the country. In April 2009, Eurocopter decided to reinforce the activities of its local subsidiary, Eurocopter Japan, by acquiring an additional 80% of the shares in its former distributor, the Japanese Euroheli Corporation, thereby increasing its total holding to 90%. Eurocopter also acquired a 60% stake in the newly formed maintenance company Eurocopter Japan T&E. The remaining 40% is owned by the Group’s Japanese partner All Nippon Airways Maintenance (ANAM). These two acquisitions have significantly increased the Group’s industrial presence in Japan. Through the two deals, which were negotiated in complete transparency with the respective Japanese partners, Eurocopter has become the first foreign manufacturer in the aeronautics sector to possess its own industrial capacity in Japan, and to receive this prestigious award.

Eurocopter Japan (ECJ) has approximately one hundred and sixty employees and is directly responsible for sales and customer support activities for the full range of Eurocopter’s civil and military helicopters. The Group has made considerable progress in both the civil and military sectors on the Japanese market over the past few months. In the beginning of this year, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces decided to replace the training aircraft for its pilots with a fleet of 15 EC135 helicopters. In the civil sector, the commercial version of the EC135 is being used to fly EMS (emergency medical services) missions, commonly known as “Doctor Heli” in the country. Buyers have also been found for the VIP Hermès version of the EC135, i.e. Mori Building, for whom it is now performing shuttle flights between downtown Tokyo and Narita International Airport.

Source: Eurocopter