Business & Money | Friday 20 February, 2015 2:52 am |

With hundreds of its rotorcraft operated by Middle East military services, Airbus Helicopters is further reinforcing the company’s regional presence to support these aircraft – which are used on missions that range from combat, counter terrorism and transport to search and rescue, special missions and training.

Airbus Helicopters’ more than 30 years of experience in the Middle East will be highlighted during this month’s International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2015), being held at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre.

“Our priority is to deliver customer satisfaction by offering products and services that deliver the highest levels of quality, safety, competitiveness and mission capability,” explained Oliver Lambert, Airbus Helicopters' Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “We provide flexible, reactive and cost-effective helicopter solutions, available around-the-clock and in close proximity to our customers. We keep them flying, wherever their missions take them.”

As part of its Middle East proximity strategy, Airbus Helicopters has opened a new technical office in Pakistan, which joins the company technical representatives and office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Airbus Helicopters Customer Center in Saudi Arabia, service centers such as UAE-based Falcon Aviation Services; distributors such as Global Aerospace Logistics LLC in Abu Dhabi, and an operating agreement with AMMROC (the Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center) in Abu Dhabi.

Included on Airbus Helicopters exhibit at IDEX 2015 (Airbus Group Stand, Hall 8, B05) are scale models of the EC645T2, EC725 and NH90 – which represent the diversity of its military product line.

The company‘s 4-metric-ton-class EC645 T2 delivers the high mission reliability and low operating costs of Airbus Helicopters’ multi-role EC145, which is a rotorcraft of reference for law enforcement agencies, parapublic organizations and military services – including the U.S. Army. It is an economical, low-risk and quickly available solution for missions that vary from special forces deployment to light attack and light utility.

Airbus Helicopters’ EC725 has been proven in combat conditions and crisis areas that include Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting NATO-led operations in Libya. As the latest member Airbus Helicopters’ military Super Puma/Cougar rotorcraft family, this 11-metric-ton helicopter is ready for multiple missions, including combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport, aeromedical transport, logistic support and naval duties.

The NH90 was designed to a NATO staff requirement for a medium-sized multi-role military helicopter that provides the benefits of fleet standardization for both land and maritime operations. Developed by Europe’s NHIndustries partnership, which is led by Airbus Helicopters, the NH90 serves as a core vehicle for two versions – tactical troop transport (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), with both meeting requirements for vertical lift solutions over the long term while operating in harsh military environments on land and at sea.