Vietnam SSFC orders third EC225 helicopter

Southern Service Flight Company has signed a contract
with Eurocopter South East Asia for a third EC225, as part of the deal there is
an option for another. The helicopter will be used for oil and gas operations.
The ordered aircraft is due for delivery in early 2013.

SSFC purchased its first
rotary-wing aircraft from Eurocopter in 1986, and specializes in the provision
of helicopter services for the oil and gas industry. With a fast-expanding
business base, SSFC’s Eurocopter fleet grew to a total of eight helicopters,
comprising both medium and heavyweight aircraft.

“The EC225 is a very powerful and reliable helicopter that has served us well
over the years,” explained SSFC Director, Captain Vi Cong Dung. “Offshore
operations are subject to many challenging situations. The EC225 with its
advanced technologies, possesses all the necessary qualities for our demanding
operations.”

In addition to the EC225s,
SSFC has four AS332 L2 heavy twin-engine helicopters, which also are members of
Eurocopter’s world-renowned Super Puma family. The remainder of its Eurocopter
fleet is composed of two EC155 Dauphin family helicopters.

“We are encouraged by the trust that our customers have placed in our products,
and the opportunity to further strengthen our long-term partnership. This
latest EC225 contract is also a testimony to the strength of Eurocopter
helicopters in serving the needs of oil and gas operators,” said Dr Bernhard
Brenner, the president of Eurocopter South East Asia. “Vietnam is a growing market with strong
potential, and is certainly one of our key areas in Southeast
Asia.”