Eurocopter eyeing new market segments in India

Eurocopter India is laying the foundation to develop new market segments, such as aerial and utility work as well as emergency medical services (EMS) in India,” said Xavier Hay, Chief Executive officer, Eurocopter India. Addressing a press conference on the eve of India Aviation, the new CEO of Eurocopter gave an account of their success story in India in 2011 and hinted that Hyderabad may become a future hub for aviation.

On-time deliveries, proximity services and development of new market segments have brought success to the company in the country, stated the officials. In 2011, of the 14 turbine helicopters registered with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Eurocopter delivered nine. The company also delivered the tenth and final AS365 N3 Dauphin to Pawan Hans, which now has a total of 35 Dauphin helicopters. Further, the Madhya Pradesh Government has also received an EC155, which is an advanced version of the Dauphin.

Hay informed that the company which is doing well in the VIP segment is looking at India for the sale of its EC145 Mercedes Benz and is getting good response in the country though no deal has been made yet. Besides its MRO centres in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi; he said that the company is looking at developing MRO netweok throughout the country. “The company wants to maximise proximity with its customers through the MRO centres.” But on being asked about plans for starting an assembly unit in the country, Hay said that at present it has not been envisaged and they have to study the opportunities first. “We have to first consolidate our footprints,” he added.

At India Aviation, Eurocopter is displaying its Ecureuil and Dauphin family of helicopters including AS350 B3e, EC130 T2 and AS365 N3+Dauphin. Also on static display is a corporate version of the EC135 and the AS350 B3.