Continuing with its strategy of industrial expansion in Spain, Eurocopter yesterday proceeded with the purchase of an 80 percent stake in the new company Sabadell Helicopters Service Center (SHSC). With an initial staff of 35 technicians based at Sabadell Airport, near Barcelona, SHSC will enable Eurocopter to provide direct, specialized support for all civil helicopter fleets.
There are currently more than 700 civil helicopters registered in Spain and this number has steadily increased over the last 20 years at an annual rate of 5 percent, with Eurocopter products accounting for 60 percent of the Spanish fleet. Eurocopter also aims to increase the turnover deriving from after-sales activities, which are expected to undergo similar growth in the medium and long term.
"This acquisition is an integral part of Eurocopter's strategy of developing support and services activities" says Francisco Vergé, CEO of Eurocopter España. "The new logistics platform will enable us to respond to the support needs of the operators in a faster and more efficient way".
The requirements of maintaining a diverse fleet and the peculiarities of the different missions pose ever increasing challenges for operators. With the creation of this new platform, the world's number one helicopter manufacturer will assume direct support for these fleets, allowing companies to focus their attention on operating their aircraft.
"The establishment of SHSC is good news for all light helicopter operators," says Eduardo Miralta, CEO of TAF Helicopters SL. "This new logistics platform will ensure that operators have more competitive fleets, safer helicopters, higher availability rates and reduced maintenance costs."
SHSC plans to sign ad hoc agreements with operators to provide maintenance and airworthiness activities. In addition to providing optimum support for operators, the new company will also perform helicopter customization, modernization and retrofits.
About TAF Helicòpters
TAF was founded in Catalonia in 1959 and is one of the leading Spanish helicopter operators. It performs a wide range of missions, including medical services, mountain rescues, firefighting and aerial work. Over the years, the company has grown and developed helicopter maintenance activities for the different Eurocopter models in its fleet, amassing a wealth of know-how and technical experience. TAF Helicopters currently operates and maintains 21 helicopters, all of which are Eurocopter products. The company has a turnover of more than 20 million euros per year and an average workforce of 102 employees. TAF Helicopters is jointly owned by the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC) and PTT SA, each having an equal share in the company. This agreement is confirmation of TAF's commitment to the aerospace industry, securing the future of its maintenance operations and enabling its expansion with the utmost guarantees of quality and technical excellence.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter's worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.
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