Corail Hélicoptères – which operates an all-Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft fleet – has ordered two new EC130 B4s, bringing this helicopter of reference for worldwide tourism operations into service with the Réunion island operator during 2012.

Factors in Corail Hélicoptères’ selection of the EC130 B4 include its low operational sound levels, which is within the regulations for flights at America’s Grand Canyon National Park – an important factor for tour operators, excellent visibility for pilots and passengers, and enhanced safety in ground operations with the shrouded Fenestron tail rotor.

Both of these newly-ordered helicopters will be delivered to Réunion island in the second half of 2012, joining Corail Hélicoptères’ current Eurocopter fleet – which is composed of four AS350s and AS355s from the Ecureuil family.

“The EC130 B4 is perfectly adapted to our flight operations, and it represents a key element of our fleet modernization,” said Alfred Chane Pane, the Chairman of Corail Hélicoptères.

Since its creation in 2003 with a Eurocopter AS355N, Corail Hélicoptères has built up its business of providing tourism and air taxi services for Réunion island – a French overseas department – along with support work that includes firefighting and evacuation airlift during flooding conditions. The company carried more than 22,000 passengers in 2011, and its future development includes the possibility of offering regular helicopter service from Réunion to the island of Mauritius.

“We look forward to extending our successful relationship with Corail Hélicoptères as it introduces the EC130 B4 later this year,” said Olivier Michalon Vice President Europe and Central Asia. “Eurocopter stands ready to provide full support for the company’s follow-on operational needs.”

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