Bristow Group signs three Orders and eight Options for Eurocopter EC225

Released on Thursday, March 01, 2007

Bristow Group Inc. signed an order at this year's Heli-Expo for three EC225 helicopters all for delivery in 2008 and options for additional eight EC225 helicopters, six with delivery dates in 2009 and two in 2010, adding to the company's previous orders for six EC225 which were placed in 2004 and 2005. Five of them are already in operation in the North Sea, with a sixth due to arrive in a few weeks. Bristow was the launch customer for the passenger transport version of this aircraft and based on successful operations to date, now plans to deploy EC225 helicopters internationally to serve its global customer base.

Bill Chiles, President and CEO of Bristow Group added: "Adding these new EC225 aircraft to our global fleet in 2008 gives us the opportunity to offer our customers their helicopter of choice for particular missions or locations which require the superior performance capabilities of the EC225. The future options also positions Bristow well for the predicted future demand for new technology heavy twin helicopters providing us the flexibility to offer our customers future firm delivery dates."

Lutz Bertlling, President and CEO of Eurocopter, stated: "We are extremely proud of Bristow's continued confidence in our products. Serving the offshore oil and gas industry is one of the toughest and most demanding missions both for the aircraft and the crews. Being selected by Bristow and its exacting clients in the oil and gas market is a top-notch endorsement for the quality of Eurocopter products."

Bristow Group and Eurocopter have worked together for many years. Bristow Group first used the SA330 Puma for offshore operations in 1977. Beginning in 1978, Bristow Group took part in the definition of the AS332L Super Puma by assisting Eurocopter on the operating constraints of North Sea flight activities. Bristow Group was the launch customer for the AS332L in 1980 with an order for 35 units. Since their entry into service in 1982, each of Bristow's AS332L aircraft have logged an average of about 1,000 flight hours per year. The EC225 is the direct descendant of this remarkable machine and was deemed the most suitable aircraft for the specific requirements of offshore operations by prestigious operators as well as oil and gas companies. In 2006, Eurocopter sold 29 units of the EC225/Super Puma family of helicopters, a more than 50% increase over 2005.