Helipartner Thailand’s order of 10 AS350 B3e highlights the effectiveness and capabilities of this Ecureuil family helicopter to meet the increasing demand for light helicopters in the ASEAN region.
The acquisition of 10 Eurocopter enhanced high-performance AS350 B3e helicopters by Helipartner Thailand responds to increased demand for high-performance utility helicopters across ASEAN countries in support of aerial work operations and the management of natural resources.
This acquisition was formalized by an agreement signed at the Paris Air Show by Helipartner Thailand and Eurocopter’s South East Asia affiliate. Deliveries of the evolved AS350 B3e version of Eurocopter’s popular AS350 Ecureuil family will be from 2013 to 2015.
“After our first AS350 B3e delivery in May 2013 and its successful leasing in Indonesia, we are delighted to expand our fleet with this new order and pursue our leasing market development with the helicopter type,” said Tisanu Ratanarat, CEO of Helipartner Thailand. “It will enable our customers to support their countries’ increased demand for a utility helicopter that delivers the proven performance of the A350 B3e.”
Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury added: “Our Ecureuil AS350 B3e provides the flexibility and versatility demanded by operators in the ASEAN region. Helipartner Thailand’s decision today reaffirms the excellent performance of this long-standing member of our fleet.”
Helipartner Thailand was incorporated in 2011 and is a joint venture of Thailand’s major offshore helicopter operator, SFS Aviation, and Helipartner Malaysia. Based on their respective experience and expertise, these two partners decided to add flexibility and solutions to the light single-engine helicopter market in the ASEAN region. After identifying the niche market, they launched their leasing activity with a complete set of solutions based on their operators’ experience and capabilities in the support of local operators in their missions.
Eurocopter’s enhanced AS350 B3e was selected by Helipartner Thailand for the rotorcraft’s market popularity, high performance, multi-mission capabilities and reliability. Helipartner Thailand believes that its versatility and popularity will guarantee safe and cost effective operations to regional operators. The proximity of Eurocopter through its four subsidiaries in the region will also ensure a close support of the leased fleet.
