American Eurocopter’s busy Heli-Expo

The AS350B3 is proving popular with civilian agencies. Eurocopter image

23 February 2010

American Eurocopter announced a rash of orders at Heli-Expo 2010.
 

February 23: Air Methods Corporation, specialist in emergency air medical transportation and medical services, has ordered eight Eurocopter EC130 and four AS350B3 helicopters from American Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings.

At Heli-Expo in Houston, Texas American Eurocopter President and Chief Executive Officer Marc Paganini said “Air Methods is a valued, long-time customer and we respect their continued commitment to the air medical industry and to incorporating advanced technology to increase the safe operation of their aircraft.”

All 12 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered this year and will join Air Methods’ fleet of 330 helicopters across the United States.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) placed an order for six AS350B3 Light Enforcement Helicopters (LEH), the second such placed by the Department of Homeland Security, the first being in July 2008. “The AS350B3 has proven that it is well-suited for the CBP’s surveillance missions and security patrol,” said Paganini. The LEH contract with the Department of Homeland Security is a multi-year contract and may result in orders for up to 50 AS350B3s, worth over $150 million. To date, 14 aircraft have been delivered from American Eurocopter’s facilities in Columbus, Mississippi.

As well as these significant orders, several other contracts for single aircraft were also announced at Heli-Expo by American Eurocopter.

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