This contract clinched involves supplying to Singaproe Technologies Aerospace Ltd (STAerospace) a fleet of EC 120B Colibri helicopters, which will be used for the flight training of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots.
In addition, ESEA will manage and operate a full range of state-of-the-art training devices, which will provide simulator training hours to RSAF pilots, for a period of 20 years through a turnkey solution.
This RWC Contract is funded by an innovative financing solution of “Public Private Partnership” (PPP) nature. Through this scheme, the Singaporean Government will save operating and finance costs by eliminating the need for procurement and ongoing maintenance of an expensive infrastructure.
Engineered from a partnership between Eurocopter Group, ST Aerospace and CATIC 1 in China, the EC 120B Colibri is a light and extremely versatile single-engine helicopter already in use for training services in various Air Forces in the world.
It is perfectly adapted for pilot training due to its size, its piloting capabilities, its simple design and the large cabin visibility. Equipped with the most advanced technologies and crashworthy systems, instructors can perform training missions in optimal safety conditions.
Present in Singapore for 28 years, ESEA has sold and delivered more than 250 new aircraft to customers in 25 countries. Being Eurocopter group’s Regional Headquarters2 in South East Asia, ESEA is committed to actively participate and contribute to Singapore’s success and business development.
“This decision by the Singaporean authorities reinforces their confidence in Eurocopter’s technology. It is in line with Singapore’s plan to becoming an international aviation hub and ESEA remains true to its belief of creating, in the future, a regional training hub in Singapore,” said Mr. Gerard Maitrepierre, President of Eurocopter South East Asia.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of 31.8 billion and employed a workforce of about 110,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.
