Eurocopter sold its first Hermes-decorated EC135 variant to Emirati Falcon Aviation Service

Eurocopter sold its first Hermes-decorated EC135 variant to Emirati Falcon Aviation Service yesterday. This light helicopter can transport four passengers offering them “outstanding” comfort, explained the manufacturer in a statement.

The helicopter sector is the one aviation segment that is reaping a benefit from the surging oil prices

The helicopter sector is the one aviation segment that is reaping a benefit from the surging oil prices, argues Financial Times. Eurocopter, for instance, won 73 firm orders for oil and gas transport helicopters in 2007, a rise of 42% over the previous year. Its US rival Sikorsky, for its part, claims at least 50% of the offshore energy segment.

Eurocopter won eight firm orders during the Fidae air show in Chile.

Argentine groups STA and Vuelos Exclusivos ordered two EC120B Colibri models, Chilean airline Aero Servi ordered one EC130, and another unit was sold to Air Corporate of Argentina. Suma Air (Chile) ordered two AS350B3 units, and Helicopteros Marinos (Argentina) acquired two EC145s. Air & Cosmos

Managing director of Finmeccanica’s helicopter subsidiary

AgustaWestland, said he expected Japan to order up to $ 3Bn of military helicopters in the next two to three years. He told Reuters that demand for military helicopters was sustained worldwide as several countries want to reinforce their security forces. “It is a booming market”. In Japan, some 30 AgustaWestland-built helicopters are already in service, compared with 480 Eurocopter-made helicopters. Mr Orsi said the company now aimed to strengthen its already-existing partnerships with Japanese companies, but denied that acquisitions of local groups were on the agenda. Reuters (08/04)