All Three Aircraft Will Be Tasked With SAR Missions

The government of Spain and Air Greenland have signed contracts with Eurocopter for EC225 helicopters. The order for one of the medium twin helos from Spain follows the company's recent success in the country's competition to select a new rotary-wing aircraft for maritime search & rescue (SAR) and pollution control operations.

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This marks one of the first stages in a national rescue plan to be implemented by the Spanish Maritime Safety Agency (SASEMAR), and is designed to provide air assets in the form of large helicopters for missions in the southern part of the Bay of Biscay and in the Canary Islands. SASEMAR is a public enterprise affiliated with the Spanish Ministry of Development through the Directorate-General of the Merchant Navy.

The new EC225 is to replace one of SASEMAR's Sikorsky S-61N helicopters, and will provide the agency with a high-performance asset for maritime SAR and surveillance operations in all weather conditions.

Air Greenland has placed its first order for a pair of the medium twin helos, and plans to use them for duties that are to include all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and all-weather passenger transportation missions.

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With the challenging operational environment faced in Greenland, Air Greenland's decision validates the EC225's role as a preferred helicopter for use in the most demanding operational conditions.

The EC225 acquisition agreement was signed in the presence of Thomas Hein, Eurocopter's Vice President Sales and Customer Relations for Central Europe; Michael Binzer, Air Greenland's CEO; and Jens Wittrup Willumsen, Air Greenland's Chairman of the Board. They were joined by Air Greenland Vice President and Technical Director Peter Bjerre, along with Florence Cassier, Eurocopter Sales Manager.

"After a long and hard evaluation, Air Greenland decided to purchase Eurocopter's EC225, and we are confident this is the right helicopter for our operations in the harsh environment in and around Greenland," Binzer stated. "We are particularly pleased to expand our long relationship with Eurocopter, and are looking forward to introducing the EC225 into our fleet."

With this acquisition of two EC225s - to be delivered in 2014 - Air Greenland will expand the company's Eurocopter fleet, which already consists of 10 AS350 B3 and two AS350 B2 Ecureuil family helicopters, thereby further extending its service capabilities for a range of missions in support of growing offshore oil and gas air transport services, as well as search and rescue operations.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com