VIP helicopter services to take off in China

A COMPANY from Henan, central China has ordered its first three helicopters with the intention to launch VIP transport services to serve the country’s burgeoning demand for such flights.

European helicopter maker Eurocopter said Henan New Continental Business Aviation of China will buy two of its deluxe EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style, which will be the first of their type when delivered in mid-2014.

The twin-engine vehicle’s interior will mimick the luxury fittings of Mercedes Benz cars, being the product of a joint project with the German carmarker. Only four such helicopters have been produced so far, and all for the US and European markets.

According to Eurocopter, the “versatile and easily transformable cabin” of the EC145 enables it to perform a wide range of operations, from executive transportation to leisure and sports trips.

But the first helicopter to be handed over that will enable Henan to “commence its chartering business” will be an AS350 B3e, to be ready by end-2013.

Zhou Suiji, chairman of the Zhengzhou City-based company, said: “While VIP helicopter transportation in China is relatively young, the customers’ needs are maturing rapidly.”

Eurocopter, comprised of French, German and Spanish entities, is a 100 per cent subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, which also includes Airbus.

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