GREEK AMPHIBIANS
Greece has signed a contract for up to 14 Beriev Be-200 firefighting amphibians, according to Russian news agency ARMS-TASS, marking the first export order for the twin-turbofan flying boat. Russia's ministry for emergencies is the only operator of the Beriev amphibian, having taken delivery of four of the seven aircraft it has on order. The remaining aircraft are undergoing assembly at Irkut's plant in Irkutsk and are scheduled for delivery this year.
THIELERT BOOST
Piston engine manufacturer Thielert Aircraft Engines boosted its sales and service centre network last year by 97 bases bringing its tally worldwide to 250. Thielert says further expansion is also planned for the coming year, particularly in North America where it more than doubled its service centre and sales network in 2007.
EUROCOPTER MILESTONE
The VIH Aviation Group has taken delivery of the first Eurocopter EC135 helicopter for the Canadian market. The light, twin-engine aircraft will be based in Calgary and serve charter customers in the oil and gas sector. Eurocopter has sold 700 EC135s to date, of which more than 600 have entered service. Victoria, British Columbia-based VIH Aviation, through its operating entities VIH Helicopters and Cougar Helicopters, operates 65 helicopters and has a further 26 aircraft on order.
REMOS ASSEMBLY
German manufacturer Remos Aircraft is to assemble its two-seat G-3 light sport aircraft at Rogers Municipal Airport-Carter Field, Arkansas. Remos will initially use an existing hangar for assembly, but will move to other facilities at the airport as business grows, it says.
EMERGENCY HELICOPTER
Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is planning to buy additional helicopters that will be deployed at its six bases across the country. The NEMA says it will employ and train civilian pilots in an effort to reduce its dependence on the Nigerian Air Force, particularly for search and rescue missions.
Source: Flight International