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BC’s Whitney Helicopters Forms Initial Fleet

Whitney Helicopters, a new oil and gas exploration
service being launched in Fort St. John, BC, is purchasing two Eurocopter EC120Bs
and one AS350BS to form its initial fleet. The two EC120sare due for delivery in 2008, while the AS350B3 will be
delivered in 2009.

“Fort St. John is known as BC’s oil and gas capital,”
says Les Whitney, president of Whitney Helicopters. “Yet despite this fact, there
have been no locally owned and operated helicopter operators until now.”

The Eurocopter EC120B can transport five people in
extremely quiet comfort, thanks to its Fenestron shrouded tail rotor.  Its Turbomeca ARRIUS 2F engine allows
the EC120B to fast cruise at 120 knots (223 km/h).

The
Eurocopter AS350B3, a heavy-duty single engine helicopter, offers room for 6-7
occupants, a maximum weight capacity of 2,250 kg (4,960 lbs) and a fast
cruising speed of 140 knots (279 km/h). 

“New times call for innovation, both in terms of operators and helicopter
technology,” says Edouard Gaillat, president of Eurocopter Canada Ltd.  “Entrepreneurs such as Les Whitney help
keep the Canadian helicopter industry fresh and dynamic.”

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