EC120 A Best-Seller; EC130 Gaining Favor

American Eurocopter had reason to cheer this week at NBAA 2008. The single-engine EC120 has become the best-selling helicopter in its class, outselling its competitors by more than two to one during the past five years... and the larger EC130 is rapidly finding buyers in the segment, as well.

Over 500 of the five-seat EC120s have been ordered by to date, with more than 100 purchased by American Eurocopter customers in the United States. Since its US market introduction in 1998, the EC120 has become the most widely accepted aircraft in its class.

"In today’s economic environment, the EC120 offers the unique advantages of sophisticated style and comfort, along with outstanding performance, modern avionics and a highly efficient rotor system -- all at entry-level acquisition costs," said Marc Paganini, American Eurocopter President and CEO. "As looks also are important for corporate and VIP operators, our customers appreciate the EC120's clean lines, including its Fenestron tail rotor."

Initially designed for the tourism industry, the EC130 continues to grow in popularity as a corporate helicopter, according to its manufacturer... and is fast becoming a helicopter of choice for a wide variety of customers. American Eurocopter displayed a sleek, black corporate EC130 belonging to Maverick Helicopters on the NBAA show floor, booth #4682.

"We are an all EC130 operation," said John Buch, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Nevada-based charter operator. "We have 30 aircraft currently in our fleet and will add an additional 15 EC 130s over the next 18 months."

"We are seeing a lot of interest from current and prospective customers who plan to use the EC 130 for corporate and personal business use," said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. "In addition to the performance features, corporate customers appreciate its spaciousness and the customized executive interior options we offer."

American Eurocopter is the American subsidiary of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and EADS North America, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com