Evergreen Helicopters, Inc., a subsidiary of Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. has signed contracts for four S-76C++(TM) helicopters, the model of the proven S-76(R) workhorse currently in production. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. .

VIH Aviation becomes launch customer for Eurocopters new EC175

Bristol Group and VIH Aviation Group have become the first launch customers for Eurocopter's new 7t-class helicopter, the EC175. The 16-set turbine twin is being developed jointly with China's Harbin Aviation Industry.

Eurocopter announced the launch customers druing the unveiling of a full-scale mockup of the EC175 at the Heli-Expo show in Houston, Texas. More customers are to be announced during the show, it says.

See more here

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/25/221792/heli-expo-2008-eurocopter-unveils-ec175-names-launch-customers.html

Calstar orders 5 x MD902s and 5 options 

Houston, TX, February 24, 2008 – MD Helicopters, Inc. today announced a major new contract with California Shock Trauma Air Rescue -CALSTAR for 5 new MD 902® EMS helicopters.  With options, the deal could expand to 10 additional new MD 902® helicopters over the next 7 years.  When complete, the deal will expand the CALSTAR fleet to 15 MD 902® aircraft.  

CALSTAR is a nonprofit, emergency medical provider founded in 1983.  The CALSTAR mission is "To save lives, reduce disability and speed recovery for victims of trauma and illness through rapid transport, quality medical care and education."

The MD 902® aircraft that are to be delivered to  for CALSTAR are specially equipped For Single Pilot Instrument Flight Rules with Night Vision Device (NVG/D) Compatibility, and an enhanced Avionics Safety Suite.  The aircraft is also equipped with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) interior from Air Methods Corporation. 

Agusta Westland takes orders for another 15 helicopters 

Kaigai Aviotech Corporation (Japan) has ordered one AW119 Ke single engine and one AW109 Power light twin turbine engine helicopter.
AgustaWestland and Kaigai Aviotech Corporation signed a distribution agreement in June 2007 under which Kaigai Aviotech Corporation will sell AW119 Ke, AW109 Power and Grand helicopters in the Japanese commercial market.



**Sloane Helicopters Ltd (UK and Ireland) has signed a contract for thirteen additional helicopters comprising one AW119 Ke single engine, three AW109 Power and seven Grand light twin and two AW139 medium twin turbine engine models. The contract is valued at approximately US$ 87 million (€ 60 million). This latest order is part of the framework of the multi-year contract and distribution agreement signed in February 2006 which agreed the acquisition of a minimum of 44 helicopters to be delivered through to the end of 2010. This order and the ones signed in February 2006 and in March 2007 bring the total number of firm orders to 25.

AgustaWestland Press Release 25/02/2008

EC225 breaks into the US market 

On 30 January 2008, the EC225 received its type certification from the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer in the civil and public services markets, will utilize this year’s Heli-Expo in Houston (24-26 Febr) to highlight its market strength in the United States and its continuing ability to innovate.

On the show’s opening day, February 24, at 11:30 a.m., the company will unveil a new member of its comprehensive helicopter family, a benchmark aircraft that will once again become the reference in its class.

It is joined by an EC225, the company’s successful 11-ton oil and gas industry support aircraft, which makes its first-ever appearance in the United States.



Heli-Expo 2008 - American Eurocopter marked the delivery of the first EC225 in the United States today during a ceremony at the Eurocopter booth at Heli-Expo 2008. The helicopter was delivered to Era Helicopters LLC, a subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CKH). Era Helicopters will take delivery of three additional EC225’s this year, two in 2009 and two more in 2010.

The EC225 is a heavy twin-turbine helicopter that offers superior speed, range, payload and reliability. The EC225 draws on unequalled experience with over 2.3 million flight hours on the Super Puma family of helicopters. It features the latest-technology and all-weather flying capabilities including flight in the most severe icing conditions.

EADS cummunications 24 and 25 Febr.2008