American Eurocopter Delivers the First EC225 in the United States to Era Helicopters LLC
Houston, TX - Heli-Expo 2008 - American Eurocopter marked the delivery of the first EC225 in the United States today during a ceremony at the Eurocopter booth at Heli-Expo 2008. The helicopter was delivered to Era Helicopters LLC, a subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CKH). Era Helicopters will take delivery of three additional EC225’s this year, two in 2009 and two more in 2010.
The EC225 is a heavy twin-turbine helicopter that offers superior speed, range, payload and reliability. The EC225 draws on the unparalleled of the Super Puma family of helicopters, which has over 3.5 million flight hours. It features the latest-technology and all-weather flying capabilities including the ability to fly in the most severe icing conditions.
“The market leading performance of the EC225 allows our customers more productivity, which results in greater value,” explained Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “This is just the first delivery of an EC225 in the United States and we look forward to providing many more to the U.S. market.”
“The EC225 is a powerful heavy twin helicopter and it gives Era the competitive advantage to carry more passengers further and faster,” said David Stepanek, Vice President Business Development at Era Helicopters. “We are excited to be introducing the EC225 into the Gulf of Mexico as we continue our efforts to meet the demand for ‘heavies’ as exploration and production push further offshore.”
The EC225 is equipped with two Turbomeca Makila 2A turbine engines and FADEC digital engine control with dual duplex channels that ensure the highest level of reliability. The main gearbox of the EC225 has been reinforced in order to meet the aircraft's increased power and gross weight.
About Eurocopter:
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2007, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover exceeding 4 billion Euros, orders for 802 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 10,000 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.
About American Eurocopter:
American Eurocopter is the American subsidiary of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and EADS North America Holdings, 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 parapublic 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, Texas, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Mississippi. The company’s first regional support facility, the West Coast Regional Support Facility, is located in Long Beach, California.
For more information please contact:
Brenda Reuland
Vice President Communications and Public Relations
Tel: 972.641.3679
Fax: 972.641.3779
brenda.reuland@eurocopterusa.com
Jeff Dronen
Manager, Media Relations
Tel: 972.641.3525
Fax: 972.641.3761
jeffrey.dronen@eurocopterusa.com
Released February 24, 2008