CM International Financial Leasing Corp., Ltd. (CMIFL) is to acquire 100 Airbus Helicopters Ecureuil-series rotorcraft over five years, with the initial order of 10 units to be delivered in 2016.

CMIFL plans to offer these light single-engine helicopters to operators complete with financing solutions, paving the way for easier and faster development of China’s burgeoning general aviation sector.

“The relaxation of low-altitude airspace regulations in China signals exciting times ahead as helicopters are in need to accelerate infrastructural development and provide for society demands including medical airlift services and passenger transport,” said Wang Rong, CMIFL Chairman & President. “CMIFL endeavors to provide leasing solutions and financial packages to ease the process of acquiring helicopters to meet these needs.”

Announced today at the China Heli-Expo held in Tianjin, the agreement for H125 and H130 Ecureuil versions provides a framework for CMIFL to become the first – and largest – rotorcraft leasing company in China. CMIFL has an equivalent capital of 1 billion euros, and is a subsidiary of China Minsheng Investment – one of the largest Chinese investment companies, with interests in the financing of aviation sector projects.

“This agreement augurs well for Chinese operators who will benefit from new financial leasing solutions and potential customers now have a viable and low-risk solution to launch or expand their commercial rotorcraft operations,” said Norbert Ducrot, President of Airbus Helicopters China. “It is a significant achievement for our team in China, as they are dedicated to always look for solutions to adapt to our customers’ needs.”

CMIFL’s selection has reinforced the position of the H125/H130 family as the best-in-class light single-engine helicopter, renowned for its performance, reliability, safety and multi-mission capabilities. CMIFL’s H125s will be configured for multi-role duties and equipped with a 1.4 metric ton cargo hook. Its H130s are to be outfitted with a new emergency medical services kit from Air Ambulance Technology, which is specially designed to accommodate two pilots (meeting Chinese regulations and responding to the country’s operating conditions), along with one stretcher and up to three passengers or medical attendants.

About Airbus Helicopters China
Created in December 2006, Airbus Helicopters China is the local based customer center of Airbus Helicopters, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products. In China, Airbus Helicopters has a market share of 40%. With 45 years of presence and over 30 years of experience in industrial cooperation in China, more than 140 civil and parapublic helicopters from Airbus Helicopters are flying in the country today. In order to provide quality service in proximity to Chinese operators, Airbus Helicopters China has established a multi-based organization in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Harbin, Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong staffed with around 100 employees.
About Airbus Helicopters (www.airbushelicopters.com)

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group. The company provides the most efficient civil and military helicopter solutions to its customers who serve, protect, save lives and safely carry passengers in highly demanding environments. Flying more than 3 million flight hours per year, the company’s in-service fleet includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in 152 countries. Airbus Helicopters employs more than 23,000 people worldwide and in 2014 generated revenues of 6.5 billion Euros. In line with the company’s new identity, fully integrated into Airbus Group, Airbus Helicopters has renamed its product range replacing the former “EC” designation with an “H”.