Eurocopter Presents the Latest Technology for Public Service Helicopter

Eurocopter, BUCHAREST, Romania: At EXPOMIL 2007, held between October 18th and 21st at the Romexpo Exhibition Centre in Bucharest, Eurocopter presents the latest technology developed for public service helicopters, updated according to the latest Schengen requirements – new border surveillance obligations for several Eastern European countries which are now part of the European Union, including Romania. 
 
On display are a full-size EC135, a LUH Mock-Up (military certified version of the EC145) and a Mock-Up of the NH90 (most-modern 10-tonne multi-role transport helicopter). 
 
These types of aircraft are involved in SAR (Search and Rescue) missions, EMS (Emergency Medical Services) & Rescue missions, observation and command, as well as in law enforcement. Due to their equipment, modern police air support units are playing a key role in providing speedy access and services of general surveillance, immigration and crowd control, anti terrorism, traffic control, rescue, search and arrests to a wide area with safety and discretion. Eurocopter helicopters represent a very helpful tool for police officers with an efficient observation and communication platform in the sky. 
 
“We have chosen to present an EC135 helicopter as the best example for latest technology that is already used also in Romania. There are three EC135 helicopters already successfully servicing the Romanian Police as well as the Ministry of Health, protecting borders and saving lives as it happened during the last years flood catastrophes”, said Philippe Harache, Executive Vice President of Eurocopter Group. 
 
The EC135 is the worldwide most employed light twin-engine helicopter for Police and Medical missions. About 250 EC135 are currently in service for SAR or EMS in 20 countries, which equates to a market share of around 80% in this class. Of these, about 150 are in used in Europe, being deployed on missions at sea, on land, and in mountainous regions under all manner of weather conditions. Its great mission flexibility, exceptional manoeuvrability, unbeaten 98 percent availability, customer-friendly maintenance schedules and environmental compatibility make the EC135 the international benchmark in its class. 
 
Eurocopter is very active in Romania. Its subsidiary S.C. Eurocopter Romania S.A. was founded in 2002 and is located in Brasov. It has successfully developed a wide range of activities related to civil, parapublic and military helicopters and affiliated services to serve the Romanian market as well as international customers. 
 
With a staff of about 100 skilled people, Eurocopter is marketing and selling the full range of modern Eurocopter helicopters in Romania and in neighbouring countries as well as bringing a close technical support to customers in Central and Eastern Europe. 
 
Additionally, Eurocopter Romania is the main industrial centre within Eurocopter Group to perform repair / overhaul and upgrading of Puma and Alouette helicopters for the worldwide market. Since the foundation of the company, more than 25 Puma helicopters from all continents have gone through servicing in Eurocopter Romania’s facilities. 
 
In order to optimally serve existing customer needs and to enlarge its future activities, the company has invested in a 4,000 square metres, state-of-the-art production hall, equipped with all industrial means and tools needed to warrant highest level of quality. 
 
Next year, Eurocopter Romania intends to launch maintenance, major overhaul and upgrading activities for Super Puma helicopters in Brasov. The company has already started to make investments in order to enlarge its range of activities. Therefore, since June 2007, Eurocopter Romania has been sending its most experienced employees to Eurocopter in France for “On-the-Job Training”, which will be completed in the coming months. Moreover, specific tooling will be procured. 
 
Due to the Puma competencies and experience existing within Eurocopter Romania, supported by Eurocopter, this new stage will be accomplished in minimum time, giving the opportunity to Eurocopter Romania to rapidly develop into a key industrial partner on the Super Puma worldwide market as it is the case already for the Puma. 
 
Business-wise, Eurocopter Romania has established as an agreed supplier of the Romanian Ministry of Defence and, regarding the civil regulations, as an EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certified maintenance centre Part145. 
 
In 2006, the company generated a turnover of 10.4 Million Euros. For fiscal year 2007, a turnover of 20 Million Euros is targeted.  
 
Established 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 approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.