At the ongoing Abu Dhabi Air Expo event (6-8 March 2012), Eurocopter is showcasing its expertise in the business aviation and private segment and highlighting the important role of helicopters as a vital complement to business jets by being the ideal “first mile, last mile” solution.

“Be it for business or leisure, few can afford to waste precious time for travel in today’s world. The flexibility offered by helicopters in take-off and landing is an extremely attractive proposition, and provides that crucial missing link in end-to-end transport solution,” said Loïc Porcheron Eurocopter's Vice President for Middle East and Africa.

“Our helicopters are renowned the world over for its state-of-the-art technology and luxurious interior that is ergonomically designed to provide a well-equipped in-flight office for the ultimate comfort of business travelers,” he added.

Having registered the sale of more than 500 helicopters in the Business Aviation and VIP market segment during the last 4 years, Eurocopter continues to be the unrivalled leader in this arena. This success is primarily due to its extensive product range in both corporate and VIP configuration - hence catering to a wide base of customers from private owners, small and medium enterprises, to multi-national corporations.

Trademark features of Eurocopter VIP-configured helicopters that have been such worldwide successes include the exceptionally spacious cabin, the large side-sliding doors for passengers’ easy access, the substantial luggage storage space loaded easily through the rear clamshell doors, the spectacular view from a generously windowed cabin, the low noise and vibration levels, as well as state-of-the-art technology that delivers outstanding performance in terms of range, speed, reliability and safety.

In addition, Eurocopter also introduced the Stylence family of helicopters, where aesthetics, ergonomics and advanced technology were merged to provide the ultimate flying experience. Stylence - a combination of style and silence – incorporates extra-thick interior insulation and special flooring to further lower the noise and vibration levels, in-flight office and telecommunications equipment, and luxurious interior with high quality leather upholstery, making the ride truly relaxing and enjoyable. The Stylence package is offered on 5 different models currently - EC120, EC130, AS350 B2/B3, AS355 NP as well as EC145.

Eurocopter has also collaborated with Hermès and Mercedes Benz, two of the world’s most renowned brands in fashion and automobile respectively, to create the EC135 Hermès version (known as L'Hélicoptère par Hermès) and the EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style. These two highly exclusive designer helicopters have been created especially for the discerning luxury travelers.

Eurocopter also strives to manufacture environmentally-friendly helicopters. The Group has invested a lot in the past few decades to improve helicopter’s performance, sound signature and to reduce specific fuel consumption, combustion levels and greenhouse gas emission, in cooperation with engine manufacturers. Today, Eurocopter is in the forefront for several international research programs to provide innovative “green rotary wing solutions” in the new global context where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent worldwide.