Universal Helicopters has chosen its fifth A-Star aircraft, an AS350 B3e, to assist with utility and transport missions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The sale was confirmed today with Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) at Heli-Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The AS350 B3e’s extraordinary versatility and reputation as the ultimate work horse made it the obvious choice for us when selecting an aircraft”, said Mr. Geoff Goodyear, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited (UHNL). “We require the most powerful and adaptable aircraft available to satisfy our customers needs.”

With the selection of the AS350 B3e, Universal Helicopters’ fleet will have a total of 5 Eurocopter aircraft, including 3 AS350 B2’s and 1 AS350 BA. The new B3e will be used for a variety of missions including; Mineral Exploration, Environmental, Construction, Artic Operations, Forest Fire Suppression and Passenger Transport.

“The AS350 B3e is ideally suited for the demanding Canadian Utility Market and the decision by Universal Helicopters to add an additional AS350 to their fleet is another example of the dependability of the platform” said Mr. Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “We are pleased with Universal’s decision to select Eurocopter to expand their fleet.”

The powerful, high-performance AS350 B3e is designed to carry out the most demanding missions in the most extreme environmental and geographical conditions. Its extraordinary lifting capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class.

The AS350 B3e will be equipped with a Dual-hydraulics System, Cargo Pods and Long linging capabilities and will enhance the B3e’s lifting power and capacity during the most rigorous, hot and high missions as well as, sling work. Additional ECL Options on the B3e will include; Aft Cargo Door Warning, Long Line Enlarge Floor Window, Cowling Maintenance Steps and Airframe Fuel Filter.

The AS350 B3e is powered with a Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine including a new generation dual digital engine control system (FADEC), backed up with one independent control system for automatic start-up sequences and care-free engine handling. This modern engine has an increased reliability and decreased maintenance costs and is fitted with an Engine Data Recorder.

The AS350 B3e cockpit, with its dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allows the pilot to check at glance the main vehicle and engine parameters – thus reducing workload and enhancing safety. The AS350 B3e offers a new elegant cabin, increasing passenger comfort. Thanks to its versatile flat floored cabin, the AS350 B3e can be quickly and easily reconfigured for all types of missions.

About Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited

Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited (UHNL) began operations in 1963 as Universal Helicopters Ltd. and was part of the Okanagan Helicopters group. Now an independent company, UHNL has acquired a vast amount of experience providing specialty helicopter services in austere and remote areas for more than 50 years. UHNL’s corporate head office is situated in Goose Bay, Labrador with other bases located in St. John’s, Pasadena and Gander, Newfoundland. Each location has permanent base personnel and hangar support facilities for year round operations and maintenance.

About ECL & Eurocopter Group

Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario since 1984, has additional operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec and a support and customer service network that spans the entire country.  Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.