The sales of 123 Airbus Helicopters to Chinese interests have been confirmed during the state visit to China of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The three contracts were signed with Fujian Xinmei General Aviation Co. (GAC), Guangdong Baiyun GAC and Yunnan Fengxiang GAC for a total of 123 Ecureuil and EC135 machines. The helicopters will be used for civil applications, including utility work, aerial tours, passenger transport, business aviation, emergency medical services and search and rescue.
“We are grateful to the operators for selecting Airbus Helicopters to be their partner in developing the general aviation market to serve China’s needs,” Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury said in a statement. “It is evident that China’s relaxation of its low-altitude airspace regulations is enabling the country’s burgeoning helicopter market to realize its potential.”
A breakdown of the sales show that Fujian Xinmei GAC will take five AS350 B3es this year and an additional 50 machines over the next seven years; Guangdong Baiyun GAC has placed an order for a total of 50 Ecureuil, EC135 T2 and EC135 T2es; and Yunnan Fengxiang GAC will take 18 AS350 B3es.
