Grand Prairie, TX – From booth number 1423 at the 2010 Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, American Eurocopter today announced that the University of Mississippi Medical Center has purchased an EC145 for its Department of Helicopter Transport – the AirCare program. The helicopter is replacing one of their current aircraft and will be based in Jackson, MS. It will be operated by PHI Helicopters, Inc.

“We were interested in purchasing a helicopter for our organization that would provide us with the power, size and range that we need to meet the current demands of our service area as well as future needs,” said Donna Norris, Program Director/Chief Flight Nurse for University of Mississippi Medical Center’s AirCare Program. “When we measured the EC145 against other helicopters in the industry, it was the logical choice.”

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s AirCare program was established in 1996 with a single helicopter based in Jackson. The program has grown and it currently has a fleet of two helicopters that serve the Jackson and Meridian areas.

“EC145 helicopters are produced right up the road in our Columbus facility,” said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “I know our employees are proud to have one of these aircraft supporting the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s AirCare program.”

In addition to offering the latest technology and true multi-mission capability, the EC145 provides the largest cabin size in its class. This allows for maximum flexibility and configuration options. With its high set main and tail rotors, rear-loading clamshell doors, large cabin, extra payload capacity, unmatched visibility and additional safety features, the EC145 has become a platform of choice for many missions, particularly HEMS.

About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter’s product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS, that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.

[File photo]