Eurocopter has expanded its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) presence in Singapore with a new hangar and other facilities.
The facility is located in Singapore's Selector Aerospace Park and doubles the company's Singapore hanger space, says Eurocopter. The new hanger can accommodate up to 24 light helicopters such as the AS550, or a mix of light and heavy helicopters.
Aside from MRO operations, the facility will also be used for training and research & development. 
"With its new and larger premises, Eurocopter Southeast Asia is ready to meet the sales and services opportunities across Southeast Asia as the region's economic activity continues," says Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling.
In 2010 Eurocopter had total sales of €127 million ($164 million) in Southeast Asia. Of this, €77 million came from sales of new and pre-owned helicopters, €23 million from customer support, and €27 million from maintenance.
The company also enjoyed bookings of €132 million in Southeast Asia in 2010. Of this, €74 million came from helicopter sales, €30 million from customer support, and €28 million from maintenance.
The new location also provides improved infrastructure for Eurocopter's local training unit, the Singapore Helicopter Training Centre. The centre has trained some 350 pilots and technicians annually for type rating, refresher courses, specific missions, and on-the-job training courses.
The facility will also house staff from EADS Innovation Works - EADS is the parent company of Eurocopter.
"The newly inaugurated operation is also authorized for design modification and repairs on Singapore-register helicopters in terms of structures, avionics, and electrical systems integration, as well as cabin interiors and furnishing," adds Eurocopter.
Source: Flight International
