Singapore,
Eurocopter Southeast Asia (ESEA), subsidiary of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, today announced that it has signed its first contract with Vinacopter for the purchase of four helicopters. This sale is a vote of confidence for Eurocopter’s proven product offering in a rapidly developing market.

Vinacopter has purchased four Eurocopter helicopters to serve as the launch fleet for its newly created subsidiary, HeliVietnam, a new commercial charter venture. The fleet, which will consist of one AS355NP, a new generation light twin engine helicopter, two high performance single engine AS350B3 aircraft and one twin engine EC135, will be used for tourism and VIP transport. Delivery of the AS355NP is scheduled for the first half of 2010 while the remainder of the fleet will be delivered in the second half of 2011.

Dr. Bernhard Brenner, President of ESEA said: “Vietnam is a very important growth market for us in Asia. We believe that there are tremendous opportunities in Vietnam, where our product range perfectly matches the requirements for civil missions. We are proud that Vinacopter has chosen to build its fleet using Eurocopter aircraft and we know that our helicopters will deliver the reliable and efficient performance needed for Vinacopter’s success.”

This contract signing follows the announcement made earlier this week by Eurocopter at the Singapore Airshow that Vietnam will be a key focus area and growth driver for the company in 2010. Eurocopter currently holds 50% of the civil and parapublic helicopter fleet in Vietnam. Adding value to Eurocopter’s growing customer base in Vietnam, ESEA has recently inaugurated On-Job-Training programmes which offer opportunities for fleet operators to acquire further industry knowledge and technical capability.