Two customers sign up for the VIP version of Eurocopters EC175 twin-engine, medium-class helicopter

[EADS Space Transportation - 26.09.2013] Two customers sign up for the VIP version of Eurocopters EC175 twin-engine, medium-class helicopter

Eurocopter has signed two customers for the VIP version of its EC175, with these bookings coming only six months after the twin-engine, medium-class helicopter was introduced to the upper-end market with a specially designed elegant and luxurious interior.
The two firm orders were announced by Eurocopter today at the U.K. Helitech International exposition in London. Both rotorcraft are to be delivered to the unnamed customers in 2016.
"This market response underscores the EC175 VIPs unparalleled elements of style and comfort, said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopters Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. "It combines the largest cabin of any medium-sized twin-engine helicopter with a superior level of interior cabin creativity from Pegasus Designs Peder Eidsgaard, whose worldwide reputation results from his work on business jets and super yachts.
Features of the EC175 VIP include a unique cabin layout with two seating areas. The forward zone provides a lounge atmosphere with facing club seating position for four passengers, while an aft sofa-style seat comfortably accommodates three passengers. Options include electrochromatic windows, an in-flight entertainment system with audio and video interfaces, and wireless connectivity via satellite communications links.
Eurocopter offers the EC175 VIP in three different styles, all accommodating from six to eight passengers. Cabin outfitting and completion of EC175 VIP helicopters will be performed by Eurocopter at its Marignane, France production and delivery facility, providing the companys full resources for this top-of-the-line rotorcraft.
The EC175 is Eurocopters new medium-class, twin-engine helicopter, offering excellent range, performance and cruise speeds, while also meeting the most demanding operational safety standards. It was developed through extensive consultation with operators and end-users, resulting in an optimized rotary-wing aircraft with the latest state-of-the-art technology.
In all versions, the EC175 provides a jet-like smooth ride at all speeds and a climate-controlled cabin - even when the main rotor is stopped. Featuring more window area than walls, the rotorcraft ensures panoramic views for all passengers, and it completes the upper end of Eurocopters helicopter product line for the business and private aviation sectors.
To date, Eurocopter has received total bookings for 48 EC175s. Certification of the helicopter is targeted for early 2014, with the first customer deliveries following during the year.
Eurocopter has the widest range of helicopters tailored for VIP and high-end market operators. Eurocopter is the leader in business and private aviation with 500 helicopters delivered to these sectors during the past five years.

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 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the worlds No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Groups helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopters strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopters worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 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.

For more information, please contact:
Stéphane CHERY
Head of International Media Relations
Eurocopter
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Pascale Fleury
Media Relations France, Eastern and Central Europe, Middle East
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Eurocopter
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Gloria Illas
Media Relations Latin America
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Eurocopter
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Julia Sailer
Eurocopter Germany
Eurocopter
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Priscilla Yip
External Communications Asia Pacific
Eurocopter
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