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Eurocopter announces first Canadian sale of EC 145

Feb. 27, 2008, Fort Erie, Ont. – Eurocopter Canada Limited is pleased to announce the first sale of its EC145 helicopter to a Canadian operator following certification of the aircraft last fall.

VIH Aviation Group – headquartered in North Saanich, British Columbia – has purchased four EC145 aircraft, which it plans to use in the Canadian oil and natural gas sector. The medium-sized, twin engine helicopter incorporates state-of-the-art technologies such as a glass cockpit with exceptional man-machine interface, redundant main systems, and new main rotor blades.

VIH Aviation Group’s purchase of the EC145 aircraft coincides with the company’s purchase of six Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopters, along with an option to purchase six additional AS350 B3s at a later date. The B3 is a high performance, single engine helicopter that offers superior ceiling and lift capacity.

“We're pleased to be buying this helicopter at this time,” Ken Norie, president and chief executive officer of VIH Aviation Group, said of the EC 145 aircraft. “We feel that the EC145 will provide service to a developing market niche that is part of our growth strategy."

This sale represents the first EC 145 helicopters purchased by a Canadian operator since the aircraft received full certification from Canadian regulators last autumn. The EC145 ties into Eurocopter Canada’s focus on next generation technology and twin engine sales.

“We’re thrilled to mark this milestone sale in the history of our company,” said Marie-Agnès Vève, president and chief executive officer of Eurocopter Canada. “We are confident that the EC145 will be a popular and reliable aircraft within Canada’s civilian helicopter market.”

Mr. Norie at VIH Aviation Group also expressed enthusiasm about his company’s purchase of the AS350 B3 helicopters, which carry up to six passengers plus a pilot, and come with a VEMD multifunction cockpit display to reduce pilot workload and fatigue.

“The increased performance of the B3 will allow us to carry larger payloads to higher altitudes.  This will be useful for our North American clients, and will create opportunities for us in the international market,” said Mr. Norie.

Ms. Vève of Eurocopter said the B3 is unique in its class and that it is “The perfect single engine helicopter for operators looking for that extra measure of performance.”

Eurocopter Canada is significantly growing its operations throughout the country, including an expansion of its main facility in Fort Erie, Ontario; the opening a new logistics facility in Richmond, British Columbia; and re-establishing its operations in Quebec. Eurocopter Canada forecasts that it will deliver its 500th helicopter in Canada within the next 12 months.