Eurocopter soars to greater heights in Asia

http://www.eads.net/1024/es/pressdb/pressdb/20100202_eurocopter_singapore.html

Eurocopter, the world's leading helicopter manufacturer, today announced that in 2009, it recorded a turnover growth of 58 per cent in Asia to reach €896 million. The business also maintained a stable booking value over the last few years in Asia to achieve €504 million in 2009. The most popular helicopters of Eurocopter's range are on display at the Singapore Airshow – the EC120, EC130, EC135, AS 350 B3, NH90 TTH and the EC725.

Eurocopter in 2009 recorded a turnover of €4.6 billion globally, of which €896 million was accounted by Asia. This marks a turnover growth of 58 per cent for Eurocopter in the region.

Dr Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter said, "Despite the global economic challenges, there have been many opportunities and achievements in Asia and it plays a critical component in Eurocopter's success. This region is home to half of Eurocopter's subsidiaries and is a top performing region for us. We are confident of Asia's growth prospects and look to grow our business in tandem with the region's development."

Over the last few years, Eurocopter has maintained a stable booking value in Asia, and continuing in its growth path in 2009, the booking value stood at €504 million. In 2009, however, there was a decline in light range helicopters, but a greater demand for larger helicopters– a trend reflected in Asia, as it is for the rest of the world.

Eurocopter has developed over 40 years of presence in Asia an integrated trans-national industrial networks across the region. It has, for example, been in partnership with the Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) in the Korean Helicopter Program. Eurocopter has also partnered the Aviation Industry of China (AVIC) in the development of the EC175/Z15. Both programs are on cost, on performance and on schedule. In 2009, the notable achievements for Eurocopter in Asia are as follows:

• The inauguration of Eurocopter's first Customer Service Centre in Hong Kong (February)
• The purchase in Japan of a majority share in EuroHeli (80%) and in All Nippon Airways Helicopter Maintenance (60%) respectively in April and June
• The roll out of the first prototype of the Korean Utility Helicopter (July)
• The maiden flight of the EC175 (December), four years after start of development
• The opening of a subsidiary branch in Thailand (December)
• The signature of a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a new MRO in Malaysia (December)

Commenting on the 2009 achievements, Dr Lutz Bertling added, "We have made significant steps in growing our presence in Asia. We will continue with that along with a specific target to be closer to our customers in this region."

In 2010, Eurocopter intends to achieve the following:

• The inauguration of an MRO in Malaysia and an EC725/EC225 simulator
• The start of EC725/EC225 tail boom manufacturing by PTDI of Indonesia
• The transfer of Eurocopter Southeast Asia headquarters to a larger facility in Seletar

Talent development

Eurocopter is committed to developing talent for the next wave of experts. Agreements have already been signed with higher education institutions in China, Malaysia and Singapore. This investment in talent development will ensure that Eurocopter remains well positioned for steady growth well into the future.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.