News
Villeneuve Hélicoptères Ltée exercises its options to purchases two additional AS350 B2s

Feb. 25, 2009 – At Heli-Expo 2009, Villeneuve Hélicoptères Ltée exercised its options to purchase two additional AS350 B2s and has partnered with Eurocopter for three (3)
EC175 new generation aircrafts.

“When the decision was made
to expand our fleet, Eurocopter was the natural choice,” said Régis
Villeneuve, President, Villeneuve Hélicoptères Ltée. “Eurocopter offers
a superior product and excellent service, and we’re looking forward to
continuing our strong partnership.”

The single engine helicopters offer high performance
with superior lift capacity and renowned safety and reduced operating
costs. With cabin space for five passengers plus one pilot and VEMD
multifunction cockpit display, there are over 175 AS350 B2s registered
for use in Canada.

The partnership will see Eurocopter build three (3)
new generation EC175s, a medium twin aircraft with the ability to carry
up to 16 passengers. The EC175 has been developed with enhanced safety
features including superior visibility, all-glass multifunction LCD
displays, advanced caution and warning systems with built-in test
functions for fault indications and maintenance of all critical
systems.

“Safety is always one of our top priorities – and we
are pleased to be offering enhanced features on this aircraft,” said
Marie-Agnès Vève, President and CEO, Eurocopter Canada Limited.

The EC175s are built using state-of-the-art avionics
with a 4-axis duplex autopilot for unrivalled precision and stability.
Equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control, the aircraft have
the capability to reduce pilot workload and enhance pilot precision and
overall safety.

Unveiled at Heli-Expo 2008, Villeneuve Hélicoptères is the second customer in Canada to select the EC175.