EC 225, latest evolution of the Super Puma family, is ordered for the first time in China by the Ministry of Communications to Fulfil Search and Rescue Missions
The Chinese Ministry of Communications (MOC) and Eurocopter have signed a contract for the acquisition of two 10/11 ton class EC 225. These aircrafts, the most up-to-date helicopters in their category, will be operated by the Rescue and Salvage Bureau to ensure Search and Rescue missions.
Beijing, 25 May 2006
Present at the China Police 2006 Exhibition, Mr. Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Executive Vice President proudly declared:” They will be fully operational by end 2007, joining the reknown MOC helicopter fleet, ready to bring an outstanding contribution in the frame of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.” This versatile helicopter has been developed to perform a variety of missions such as Search And Rescue (SAR), police and anti-terrorism as well as Offshore and VIP transportation. In July 2004, the EC 225 satisfied the most recent JAR 29 regulations, and was awarded its IFR certificate of airworthiness by the new European airworthiness authority EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency).
The EC 225 new technologies have improved performance (speed, maneuverability), comfort (vibration, noise) and flight safety – a quality that is particularly appreciated by the crews who have flown the helicopter.
More than 40 aircraft from the EC 225 family have already been ordered and the total number of orders for the Super Puma/ EC 225 family has increased to almost 700.
Let’s note that 21 Super Pumas are flying nowadays in China.
Eurocopter foresees a large development in the 10/11 ton segment in China. Thanks to its high transportation capabilities, the EC 225 is able to perform complex missions in a severe and vast environment.
Today Eurocopter is the front runner in the Chinese market with a 45% share in the civil and parapublic helicopter sector. Between now and 2015, it is predicted that China will need about 300 helicopters. The needs are huge to ensure surveillance, security, medical assistance, emergency medical evacuation, TV broadcasts, VIP transport, and other utility missions. Eurocopter, on account of its long and fruitful cooperation with China, wishes to further privileged partnership.
About Eurocopter
Created in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter group employs 13,000 people. Its strong worldwide presence is insured by its 16 subsidiaries located on the five continents, along with a network of distributors and certified agents. 9,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently operated in 139 countries on behalf of some 2,500 customers. The group now accounts for 30% of the world market. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military range in the world.
In 2005, Eurocopter secured its position as the world's No. 1, with a turnover of 3.2 billion euros - up by 15% over the 2004 turnover – with orders for 401 new helicopters, once again leading the way in the civil and parapublic sectors with a 52% market share. Welcome to visit the official site of Eurocopter at: www.eurocopter.com
Contacts
| Jean Louis ESPES | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +33 (0)4 42 85 95 55 Fax: + 33 (0)4 42 85 95 64 mailto: jean-louis.espes@eurocopter.com |
| Eurocopter Beijing Rep. Office |
Tel.: + 86 10 6466 4074 Fax: + 86 10 6462 3662 mailto: ecchina@eurocopter-china.com |
| Jane Ma | Hill & Knowlton (China) Public Relations |
Tel.: +86 10 58617531 Fax: +86 10 6512 3712 mailto: jane.ma@hillandknowlton.com.cn |
| Helena Wang | Hill & Knowlton (China) Public Relations |
Tel.: +86 10 58610035 Fax: +86 10 6512 3712 mailto: Helena.wang@hillandknowlton.com.cn |
