Sees Strong Replacement Market, Demand From Law Enforcement And EMS Agencies

Eurocopter says the U.S. helicopter market is poised for a strong recovery, and that could push the company's sales to a new record.

With much of the U.S. fleet of single- and twin-engine helos aging, and strong demand coming from the law-enforcement and EMS segments of the market, Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling (pictured) said that sales could rise by some $7.6 billion, according to a report appearing on Bloomberg News.

Bertling also said that high oil prices are propping up offshore oil exploration, which in turn helps helicopter sales. He said the company could deliver more than 500 aircraft to the offshore market in the coming year.

Bertling said the company is also counting on strong sales in China and other parts of Asia. He said that in 10 years, the company's Chinese operation could be as large as American Eurocopter. It recently announced a customization facility to be co-located with the Airbus final assembly facility in Tianjin, China.

Another key area is the U.S. Military market, he said. Eurocopter has $2 billion in orders for UH-72A Lakota aircraft on its books for the U.S. Army, and is working on a bid for the new armed reconnaissance helicopter. That aircraft will be based on the EC145 platform. Bertling said Eurocopter does not plan to bid on a replacement for the Presidential transport helicopter ... known as Marine 1 when the President is on board. He said the costs of such a bid are high, and the company's chances of winning the contract would be limited.

(Image courtesy Eurocopter)

FMI: www.eurocopter.com