April 3, 2011 - As China looks to open up its low altitude airspace in the coming years, Eurocopter is well-positioned to cater to an expected growth in demand for helicopters, which will become a vital complement to business jets for corporate and VIP air transport. 

Not only does Eurocopter offer the widest range of products available in business aviation and VIP configuration, it also has “designer helicopters” specially produced in collaboration with top luxury designer brands that will appeal to China’s elites for air travel in the utmost comfort and style. 

At the second annual Hainan Rendez-Vous event held April 1-4 2011 that celebrates luxury living, world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter, will showcase its strength in the business aviation and private segment with two models on display – a scale 1/10 mock-up of the EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style at stand D26 and a EC135 on static display at Visun Marina.  

The light, single-engine helicopter range comprising EC120, EC130, AS350 B2 and AS350 B3, can seat up to between four and seven passengers, with spacious cabin room and great visibility being some of the much-appreciated features in such light aircrafts. The light and medium twinengined AS355 NP, EC135, EC145, AS365 N3 and EC155, have proven to be very popular for passenger transport and offshore missions due to its power, state-of-the-art technology and cost efficiency, with the ability to carry up to 12 passengers comfortably in the EC155 which incidentally is also the quietest helicopter in its class.  

The Super Puma range comprising AS332 and EC225 are in a class of its own in the heavy twin-engine category, having proven its superiority especially in high-altitude conditions, with a big seating capacity of up to 19 passengers. Not forgetting of course, the new medium twin-engine EC175/Z15 – a joint development between Eurocopter and China’s AVIC Group. With certifications planned for end 2011, the first delivery of this 16-seater, 7-ton class helicopter is expected in 2012.  

Trademark features of Eurocopter VIP-configured helicopters that have been such worldwide successes include the exceptionally spacious cabin, the large side-sliding doors for passengers’ easy access, the substantial luggage storage space loaded easily through the rear clamshell doors, the spectacular view from a generously windowed cabin, the low noise and vibration levels, as well as state-of-the-art technology that delivers outstanding performance in terms of range, speed, reliability and safety. 

In addition, Eurocopter also introduced the Stylence family of helicopters, where aesthetics, ergonomics and advanced technology were merged to provide the ultimate flying experience. Stylence – a combination of style and silence – incorporates extra-thick interior insulation and special flooring to further lower the noise and vibration levels, in-flight office and telecommunications equipment, and luxurious interior with high quality leather upholstery, making the ride truly relaxing and enjoyable. The Stylence package is offered on five different models currently – EC120, EC130, AS350 B2/B3, AS355 NP as well as EC145. 

To move with the times and recognizing an increasing demand for an even more unique travelling experience, Eurocopter has also collaborated with Hermès and Mercedes Benz, two of the world’s most renowned brands in fashion and automobile respectively, to create the EC135 Hermès version (known as L'Hélicoptère par Hermès) and the EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style. These two highly exclusive designer helicopters have been created specially for the discerning luxury travellers today.