Eurocopter has introduced AS350 B3 Ecureuil and EC130 B4 helicopters in Kerala to promote Kochi as the heli hub for travel between cities in the State.

Eurocopter India's head, Mr Rohit Kumar, said these helicopters will meet the needs in the areas of heli-tourism and emergency medical services.

Both the AS350 B3 Ecureuil and the EC130 B4 are highly adaptable for both heli-tourism and emergency medical services, said a statement. “They can be quickly reconfigured from passenger transport to HEMS – the replacement of seats with stretchers and medical equipment can be done in just five minutes,” it added.

At present, India has three customers for these helicopters. Three of the rotary-wing aircraft were ordered by Global Vectra, taking its fleet to seven AS350 B3s; while Summit Aviation and SS Aviation purchased one each. These helicopters will be used for the purpose of heli-skiing, aerial work, passenger transport, HEMS and several others.

The AS350 B3 Ecureuil is currently flying tourists to places such as Vaishno Devi, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Amarnath. Most recently, Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd equipped an AS350 B3 with cameras and relay equipment for TV broadcasts during the recent Commonwealth Games.

Eurocopter inaugurated its Indian subsidiary in October 2010. It currently has 23 civil and government customers operating its helicopter products in India. These rotary-wing aircraft perform duties ranging from the support of offshore oil and gas drilling to VIP, corporate and passenger transportation.

In addition, Eurocopter is also working with Indian institutions, companies and associations to develop areas such as law enforcement, helicopter emergency medical services, disaster management and utility.

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