Major New Orders Announced at Helitech International 2015

Helitech International 2015, Europe's largest exhibition dedicated to civil rotorcraft, comes to a close today after a packed three days of trade, networking and thought leadership. Multiple contracts and agreements were signed further illustrating Helitech International's position as the focal point for business in the civil rotary wing sector.

Waypoint Leasing announced two major orders, committing to 20 Airbus Helicopters H135s and firming up an order for 18 aircraft from AgustaWestland. The Airbus Helicopters order will be completed over the next three years. While the H135s will primarily be tasked with emergency medical service EMS missions, they will also be able to carry out law enforcement, SAR and offshore operations.

AgustaWestland announced an order from Heliservices for an AW169 to be used for offshore missions. AW also confirmed contracts in Asia for 10 AW139s. Eight will be supplied to the Royal Thai Army for passenger transport and utility. A further two are being supplied to a customer for law enforcement purposes.

PDG signed for an Airbus H135 and HCare, a parts-by-the-hour flight and fleet service offering from Airbus. The H135 has been acquired to support PDG's service contract with the General Lighthouse Authorities. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance also ordered an H145 helicopter, highlighting the public services dimension of Helitech International.

SonAir, a provider of onshore and offshore helicopter services to Angolan oil facilities, selected Heli-One to perform G-Check inspections and custom painting on four ASS332L2 Super Puma helicopters. The work will take place at Heli-One's MRO facility in Rzeszow, Poland.

The UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) formally accepted delivery of its first upgraded EC135 T2+ helicopter. David Plester of Babcock Mission Critical Services formally handed over the helicopter, equipped with a custom designed suite that includes a new mission management system and integrated communications package, to West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson and the NPAS.

Bell Helicopter announced it is adding a service and support centre in Germany, further expanding its European footprint, while US based Aviation Specialties Unlimited selected Specialist Aviation Services as its dealer and service centre for the UK and Ireland.

FEC Heliports announced two projects that will see the construction of four helipads at sites in Africa and the Middle East, while in the parts and equipment sector, Pall Aerospace announced its selection by Marenco Swisshelicopter to supply PUREair dry barrier filters for the new SKYe SH09 rotorcraft.

Helitech International Exhibition Director, John Hyde, said, "The size and diversity of the orders being announced at this year's Helitech International show that the commercial rotorcraft sector is resilient and competitive. Our event provides an international platform for suppliers across the spectrum of the industry and we are pleased and proud that these successes have been showcased here at ExCeL".