EADS N.V. - Eurocopter Achieves FAA Approval to Manufacture AS350 B2s and B3s in the US

The AS350 B2 and B3 are powerful single engine aircraft each capable of carrying a pilot and 6-7 passengers, 1127 have been sold in 45 countries to 587 customers. These best selling aircraft along with other Eurocopter model helicopters have been consistently selected by 27 Law Enforcement agencies such as U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, the LAPD, CHP and the FBI, to fulfill varied and demanding missions. This has resulted in Eurocopter having an estimated 60% share of sales to the U.S. law enforcement market.

“This is a major step in our strategy to invest in our manufacturing capabilities in the largest market in the world. By manufacturing the AS350 in our Columbus, Mississippi facility with US aviation skilled engineers and technicians we will produce the very best aircraft that will enable us to be even closer to our customers” said Fabrice Brégier; Eurocopter’s President and CEO.

Initially, American Eurocopter will build over 30 AS350s annually at its Mississippi plant; with future production increases being linked to sales. In addition, the facility will manufacture parts and subassemblies for other Eurocopter aircraft such as the twin engine AS355 and 365 Dauphin; and continue to customize other Eurocopter helicopter models such as the EC120, EC135, EC145 and EC155. Should American Eurocopter win the DoD contract for the U S Army and National Guard UH145 light utility helicopter requirement, they will also be built in the U.S.

“Long before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, we committed ourselves to building the world’s best helicopters here using the best resources,” says Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “Now that this region is faced with the greatest reconstruction effort in its history, we are eager to help build a renewed and prosperous Mississippi.”

American Eurocopter (www.eurocopterusa.com) is the American subsidiary of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and EADS North America, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and Defense Company in the world. American Eurocopter markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large new factory in Columbus, Mississippi.

Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of € 31.8 billion and employed a workforce of about 110,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.