EUROCOPTER HOPES TO DELIVER 30 HELICOPTERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

From Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, Feb 3 (Bernama) – Singapore-based Eurocopter Southeast Asia
(ESEA), subsidiary of the world's leading helicopter manufacturer, hopes to
deliver 30 helicopters within the region, this year.

Last year, the company delivered 23 helicopters in the region with a
turnover of 124 million euros, signifying a 46 per cent growth over the previous
year.

The company announced today it had surpassed its business and delivery
objectives in Southeast Asia for 2009.

Despite the world economic crisis, ESEA recorded an overall increase in its
support and services business in line with Eurocopter's roadmap for the region,
the company said in conjunction with the Singapore Airshow at the Changi
Exhibition Centre.

It also achieved major breakthroughs in Thailand, winning a major contract
from the Royal Thai Police, and Vietnam where it would supply the first EC225
helicopter to an offshore operator there.

In addition, ESEA registered an increase of ten per cent for its support and
services business in the region.

Healthy growth, sales and delivery targets were met despite the economic
turbulence that had affected the industry and Eurocopter customer base, the
company added.

Eurocopter Chief Executive Officer Dr Lutz Bertling said "These achievements
are significant, given the global economic challenges that affected many of our
customers.

"Our growing global footprint in the South East Asian region and our
comprehensive, innovative product and services portfolio have proven to be an
asset in this difficult economic period," he said.

-– BERNAMA