Eurocopter has delivered its first EC145 for a North American customer. The medium twin-turbine helicopter has been received by Florida's Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Lee County operates a Eurocopter BO105, which will continue to serve as a back-up to the larger-cabin, longer-range EC145.
Eurocopter sees a strong North American market for the EC145 in air medical, law enforcement and offshore missions. Tennessee's Vanderbilt LifeFlight has ordered three EMS aircraft for delivery this year to replace Eurocopter BK117s. The EC145, a development of the popular BK117, is in service in Europe with France's Gendarmerie and Securite Civile, as well as the German ADAC and Swiss REGA air ambulance services.
Activity in the US air medical sector is increasing as operators expand and re-equip. In recent weeks, orders have been announced by Air Methods for 10 Eurocopter EC135 light twins; by CJ Systems Aviation Group for six additional EC135s; and by Pennsylvania's Life Lion for the upgrade of two Eurocopter AS365N1 medium twins to N3 standard.
Eurocopter, meanwhile, has sold four EC130B4s to New Orleans-based Taylor Energy, launch customer for the light single-turbine helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico offshore support market. The EC130s will replace Eurocopter AS350B2s. In addition, a fifth EC130 has been delivered to US air tour operator Papillion Helicopters.
Air Methods' Air Medical Services division has begun providing transport services to Baptist Health South Florida with a Miami-based Bell 430. Delaware State Police has taken delivery of a Bell 407 equipped with a medical interior by LifePort.
Source: Flight International
