Astana, Kazakhstan, May 3, 2012 KADEX-2012

The Kazakhstan government has placed additional orders for eight EC145 helicopters in terms of a framework agreement covering 45 of these multi-role rotorcrafts, which are to be assembled in-country by the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering joint venture.

These latest bookings – announced today at the KADEX-2012 military exposition in Astana – consist of six EC145s in a medical evacuation configuration for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, along with two to be operated by the Ministry of Defense for search and rescue missions. They follow Kazakhstan’s initial acquisition of six similarly-configured EC145s last year, which were assembled and delivered during 2011 to both of the government ministries.

“The new orders build on our successful cooperation with Kazakhstan, and will provide additional state-of-the-art helicopters to meet its vertical airlift needs in a full range of operations,” said Olivier Michalon, Eurocopter’s Vice President of Global Business & Services for Europe and Central Asia. “This marks a new step in our joint venture with Kazakhstan Engineering, which brings key capabilities in developing the country’s aviation expertise.”

With operations adjacent to Astana International Airport, the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering joint venture is responsible for helicopter assembly and customization, along with maintenance, support and training services. Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering also pursues sales activities throughout the region.

The EC145 is a helicopter of choice in its medium-size twin-engine category. With more than 500 delivered to some 100 customers in 38 countries, this rotorcraft benefits from its flexibility and versatility in worldwide operations – particularly the extreme low-temperature conditions encountered in Kazakhstan. EC145s are used in a wide range of missions, including on-shore and off-shore airlift for the oil and gas industries, emergency medical services, police and public services, business and VIP transportation, along with a growing deployment for the maintenance of wind turbine fields.

Source and photo: Eurocopter