Eurocopter Malaysia today signed a Fleet Upgrade and Retrofit contract for all the 5 units of EC135 belonging to Hornbill Skyways. In addition to retrofitting and upgrading works, the contract also provides for a transfer of technology, with works to be completed by June 2012.
The contract was signed at the Paris Air Show by Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd’s (Hornbill) Executive Chairman, Datuk Aidan Wing and Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s (ECM) President & CEO, Pierre Nardelli.
The Contract’s work scope involves upgrading 2 units of EC135 P2 to the EC135 P2e version, increasing its payload by 40kg to a maximum take-off weight of 2,950kg. It also includes the installation of inlet barrier filter (IBF) as well as the replacement and upgrading of the High Frequency system for all the 5 helicopters. The retrofit contract is valued at RM9 million (approximately 2.3 million euro).
“ECM, with their fully established facility in Subang, Selangor, provided the best offer in terms of price, expertise and commitment. This upgrading of our existing EC135 fleet is necessary to better serve our needs to perform dedicated missions especially in challenging areas in East Malaysia,” said Datuk Aidan Wing, Executive Chairman of Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd.
The retrofit works will commence in July 2011 at ECM’s facility in Subang. It will take approximately 2 months per helicopter – with its completion expected in June 2012. This is the first time such a retrofit will be performed in a Eurocopter subsidiary in Asia.
“Eurocopter always believes in partaking of knowledge with their customers and accompanying them whenever possible. Hornbill’s engineers have been invited to participate personally during the retrofit process so that they can have the unique opportunity to learn from ECM’s experts. This transfer of technology is something that we advocate, which is highly appreciated by our customers,” said Pierre Nardelli, ECM President & CEO.
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