American Eurocopter is pleased to announce that All American Aviation LLC will be the first helicopter operator to provide offshore oil and gas transport service in the Gulf of Mexico using new Eurocopter AS350B3e AStar helicopters.

All American has leased two AS350B3e aircraft from Rainier Heli International, an affiliate of Papillon Helicopters, and plans to begin offshore transport operations with a few weeks from bases in Louisiana.

“We are excited to put this great aircraft to work serving oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Wayne Schmitz, a partner in All American, which is based in spring, Texas.

All American already operates a number of AS350 helicopters. Schmitz said the aircraft offer unmatched performance, reliability and maneuverability, while reducing pilot workload and providing superior passenger comfort with the forward facing seats. The addition of the

AS350B3e with its greater speed will enhance All American’s customer service.“American Eurocopter is pleased and excited that All American will be the first operator to the put the AS350B3e into service in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Anthony DiNota, Vice President-Commercial Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. “We appreciate the vote of confidence in the capabilities of the aircraft and pledge to provide All American with world class support to help ensure their success.”

 About American Eurocopter

American Eurocopter is the U.S. affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and Defense Company in the world. American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, Texas with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss.