Eurocopter Signed Contract to Supply EC225 Helicopter for Spain

Eurocopter has signed a contract to supply an EC225 helicopter for Spain following its recent success in the country’s competition to select a new rotary-wing aircraft for maritime search & rescue (SAR) and pollution control operations. This marks one of the first stages in a national rescue plan to be implemented by the Spanish Maritime Safety Agency (SASEMAR), and is designed to provide air assets in the form of large helicopters for missions in the southern part of the Bay of Biscay and in the Canary Islands. SASEMAR is a public enterprise affiliated with the Spanish Ministry of Development through the Directorate-General of the Merchant Navy. The new EC225 is to replace one of SASEMAR’s Sikorsky S-61N helicopters, and will provide the agency with a high-performance asset for maritime SAR and surveillance operations in all weather conditions. Offering enhanced capacity, range and autonomy, the EC225 is equipped with cutting-edge technical innovations for navigation and SAR. Air Greenland has placed its first order for Eurocopter’s EC225 medium twin-engine helicopter, acquiring two of these rotary-wing aircraft for duties that are to include all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and all-weather passenger transportation missions. With the challenging operational environment faced in Greenland, Air Greenland’s decision validates the EC225’s role as a preferred helicopter for use in the most demanding operational conditions. The EC225 acquisition agreement was signed in the presence of Thomas Hein, Eurocopter’s Vice President Sales and Customer Relations for Central Europe; Michael Binzer, Air Greenland’s CEO; and Jens Wittrup Willumsen, Air Greenland’s Chairman of the Board. They were joined by Air Greenland Vice President and Technical Director Peter Bjerre, along with Florence Cassier, Eurocopter Sales Manager.