Strong footprint in the region
Günter Endres
EADS company Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, has enjoyed steady growth in the Middle East market for the past 40 years. To date, a fleet of around 650 Eurocopter machines is in service with military and civil operators throughout the Arab world. Through additional orders of EC635s by the Royal Jordanian Air Force and with a new contract from the Royal Air Force of Oman, Eurocopter has significantly increased its military fleet in the region, which also includes the successful operation of many Puma, Cougar, Fennec and Panther helicopters.
The Franco-German manufacturer is now proposing its newgeneration machines equipped with the latest technology, with proven capability to operate in severe environments and critical situations. Here at IDEX, Eurocopter is exhibiting three of its newest models, all of which are considered particularly suited to local requirements. The twin-engined EC145, recently selected by the US Army, has found success in the international arena as a robust and effective law enforcement machine and is being targeted at police and law enforcement agencies in the region, which are already prime Eurocopter customers. The EC155B1 in VIP configuration has recently been purchased by Gulf customers, with its spacious cabin and low vibration level proving particularly attractive to heads of state and VIPs.The NH90 NATO medium multi-purpose helicopter entered service in December 2006 and has been ordered by 13 nations, including the Sultanate of Oman. Regional support to Eurocopter’s numerous customers is provided from its Abu Dhabi base, but it plans to add other centres to extend its support with spare parts and maintenance. Eurocopter is exhibiting at OD560 in the UAE Pavilion.
 Eurocopter is showing three of its latest helicopters |