Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Takes Delivery of Third Dauphin

Released on Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) took yesterday delivery of its third Dauphin AS365 N3 from Eurocopter Malaysia at Terminal 2, Subang, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak and several top brass from the Armed Forces and government sector.

With this on time delivery, the newly established Malaysian Coast Guard Air Wing Operations is ready to perform long-range surveillance and rescue operations in the Malaysian Maritime Zone and on its high sea areas with a globally proven reference helicopter system. The first and second aircraft have been delivered ahead of schedule and were presented to the Malaysian public at the 50th Independence Celebration in August 2007.

The MMEA is the first governmental customer to profit from Eurocopter's Global Offer, a turnkey solution comprising training services, integrated maintenance and logistics support services.

During the delivery ceremony, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib emphasized the increasing importance of maritime security, "We depend on the seas for food, for energy and mineral resources, for transit and trade." He added that "while globalisation is making waves all over the country, the importance of the maritime domain and need for enhanced maritime security is compelling". Elaborating on the collaboration between MMEA and Eurocopter Malaysia (ECM) in the integrated maintenance and logistic support services, he urged for more collective initiatives between government agencies and global organisations such as Eurocopter Group, which "brings global capabilities, skills and areas of expertise to the young Malaysian workforce."

Philippe Harache, Eurocopter's Senior Executive Vice President noted that "today's event is the most significant event in the history of Eurocopter in Malaysia, as it symbolizes our dedication to providing a reliable support service for all commercial and governmental customers in the country."

MMEA's Director General Admiral Maritime Dato' Mohammed bin Nik, added: "Eurocopter Malaysia's achievement in meeting our requirements shows the strength of their commitment towards our organisation. The early delivery of the Dauphin helicopters will dramatically enhance the operational capability and effectiveness of our new Air Wing unit."

Eurocopter's Dauphin helicopter family has long been known as powerful, versatile and reliable. The outstanding Dauphin AS365 N3 incorporates latest technical advancement, including a modular design of the mechanical assemblies and use of composite materials (STARFLEX rotor head blades), a FENESTRON tail rotor system, all of which ensure high manoeuvrability, efficiency, low noise level at any speed and maximum safety, especially when operating off-shore.

Eurocopter Malaysia was incorporated in August 2002. Beyond its activity of helicopter supplier, it is today a prominent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service centre having developed a new concept of "Smart Partnership". The company has created more than 150 jobs since 2002. It provides a broad spectrum of services, ranging from scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aircraft modifications, (retrofits, painting, interior refurbishment and customization), logistics support (spare parts, repairs and overhaul) as well as training courses. Eurocopter Malaysia has captured 46 per cent of the governmental market and roughly 52 per cent of the commercial market. A total of 18 types of Eurocopter helicopters are certified in Malaysia.