Airbus Helicopters to showcase evolved product line and diversified service offerings at Heli-Expo 2014

ANAHEIM, Calif., 25-2-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — Heli-Expo 2014 will mark Airbus Helicopters’ first major rotorcraft industry event in its new identity, with the company showcasing an evolved product line, diversified service offerings and a strategy that reflects its core changes.

“Under our new name, Airbus Helicopters, we have redefined our priorities. We are committed to new standards with respect to customer satisfaction, quality and safety, and competitiveness,” said Airbus Helicopters President Guillaume Faury. “We’re implementing these priorities by placing our efforts on product reliability and availability, the reduction of lead times and production costs, and integrating the Airbus Group’s standards of quality – all while setting new standards in the helicopter industry in the key domain of aviation safety.”

To be announced at the exposition’s Anaheim Convention Center venue is Airbus Helicopter’s upgraded version of its proven EC225 Super Puma: the EC225e. This new variant responds to operators’ requirements for extended-range missions – particularly in support of deep-water oil and gas airlift duties.

Airbus Helicopters’ next-generation EC175, which received European certification in January, will be represented at Heli-Expo with the display of a high-fidelity full-scale mockup in the corporate configuration. To support the EC175’s service entry, dedicated resources will be available to customers, including spare parts inventories and on-site technical assistance.

By the time EC175 deliveries begin later this year, the initial pilots will have received training on a flight navigation procedure training (FNPT) and Level D full-flight simulator – both located in Marignane and operational in spring and summer 2014, respectively. As the fleet expands, other EC175 full-flight simulators will be deployed in close proximity to regions where customers are introducing the aircraft into service.

Also exhibited at Heli-Expo is the new EC145 T2, to be certified and delivered in 2014. This latest evolution of the EC145 is equipped for the first time with Airbus Helicopters’ signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, as well as upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes. Operators of the EC145 T2 will have access to a service portfolio that includes training and operations, system and software maintenance, and turnkey solutions. An EC145 T2 full-flight simulator will be deployed at Donäuworth, Germany in 2015.

Another helicopter making its Heli-Expo debut is the AS332 C1e, representing the company’s approach to offering standardized helicopter versions that respond to multi-role mission needs. This enables a streamlined production process for reduced delivery lead times while incorporating modern avionics and system improvements. Features of the AS332 C1e include the glass cockpit, four-axis autopilot and associated automatic flight control system from the EC225 Super Puma, which provides flight envelope protection, unrivalled precision and stability in even the harshest operating conditions.

Joining these helicopters on Airbus Helicopters’ exhibit in Anaheim will be the EC135 T2 in a law enforcement configuration for the Massachusetts State Police, and an EC130 T2 with a glass cockpit.

Another emphasis of Airbus Helicopters’ Heli-Expo 2014 presence will be the company’s comprehensive support and services portfolio, which is tailored to meet operators’ unique requirements. On display will be exhibits dedicated to support for new aircraft and the Helionix avionics system (now incorporated in the EC175 and EC145 T2), training and operations, helicopter upgrades, and e-services such as the Keycopter® customer portal.

Airbus Helicopters’ Heli-Expo 2014 exhibit stand will be located in Hall A, Booth 523 in the Anaheim Convention Center during the February 25-27 event. Follow all of Airbus Helicopters’ activities at this major helicopter industry gathering, including daily announcements and feature stories, by visiting the dedicated website at: http://events.airbushelicopters.com

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact:

Stéphane Chéry Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51
Mob: + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23
stephane.chery@eurocopter.com

Lisa Dimino Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 51 31
Mob: + 33 (0)6 99 07 13 50
lisa.dimino@eurocopter.com

Bob Cox Tel: +1 972-641-3525
Mob: +1 972-213-2038
bob.cox@eurocopterusa.com