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Eurocopter Increases Manufacturing Capability in Canada

May 23, 2008, Fort Erie, ON /CNW/ – Eurocopter Canada yesterday held a grand opening ceremony for its newly expanded headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, which was presided over by His Excellency Daniel Jouanneau, the French Ambassador to Canada and Mr. Pierre MacDonald, Chairman of the Board for Eurocopter Canada.

The newly expanded facility – which has grown to 135,625 square feet – will contribute to Ontario's aerospace industry and manufacturing base. The expansion will also allow Eurocopter Canada to further develop its manufacturing of composite components for its worldwide fleet of helicopters – EC135, EC145, AS365 and EC130 models. Eurocopter Canada currently employs 200 people in skills-based jobs, and the current growth is expected to create an additional 30 positions by the end of 2008.

"The growth of Eurocopter in Ontario is a vote of confidence in the province's strong business climate, skilled workforce, and competitive tax regime," said Ambassador Jouanneau. "It shows that global companies like Eurocopter are committed to making long-term investments in countries such as Canada."

Eurocopter Canada, which currently has 63% marketshare, is expanding in Canada with a view to continuing to build national markets for its line of helicopters. In addition to expanding its main facility in Fort Erie, Eurocopter Canada is officially opening a new logistics facility in Richmond,
British Columbia. Eurocopter will deliver its 500th helicopter in Canada this fall and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Canada in 2009.

"At Eurocopter Group, we truly value the subsidiaries we have established in countries such as Canada," said Phillippe Harache, Senior Executive Vice-President of Eurocopter Group. "Subsidiary operations such as Eurocopter Canada have allowed our company to grow, diversify and succeed in the global marketplace. Eurocopter Group would not be as strong today without the contributions of our subsidiaries.

Eurocopter Canada is capitalizing on growth opportunities in the light and medium civilian helicopter market. A number of economic sectors in Canada are driving demand for the helicopters – including the Alberta oil patch, the offshore oil and natural gas sector, mining, forestry, law enforcement, and
tourism.

"There is no question about it, 2008 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Eurocopter Canada," said Marie-Agnès Vève, president and chief executive officer of Eurocopter Canada. "We look forward to expanding our presence in the civilian helicopter market in Canada, and contributing to this country's advanced aerospace industry."

Eurocopter Canada offers a wide range of products and services for its customers. Not only does Eurocopter Canada provide the widest range of new helicopter models, from the five seat EC120 to the 22 passenger EC225, it also provides technical and logistic support, training for pilots and maintenance engineers, and a host of other services.