New operator places its confidence in Eurocopter
Today at Heli-Expo, Eurocopter proudly announced the signature for two AS350 B3es with the new French operator Aero France Hélicoptère.
Eric Aguettant, the owner of company, has been in the helicopter business for more than 20 years with Paris Helicoptère and Helifrance, which he sold in 2007 to iXAir. He is now back in business with Aero France Hélicoptère, a subsidiary of Airex Aviation.
During the ceremony, Mr. Aguettant stated: “We believe that investing money in Eurocopter’s new mid-sized helicopters for aerial work and passenger transportation in the Paris area, South of France and Corsica is a good move. We have been operating Eurocopter helicopters for more than 20 years with success. The post-crisis period gives us the opportunity to make a come back in the French market as well as in some North African countries with the EC120 and AS350 family.”
The single-engine AS350 B3e, which is currently on display on Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo stand, is the updated version of the best-selling Ecureuil family. Compared to the AS350 B3, it has a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring. It offers pilots the option of operating at its maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes, and can be equipped with filters to protect the engine during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight penalty.
The AS350 B3e also incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and features an improved interior design.
Certification of the AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before year-end.
