Eurocopter today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC) for ab-initio pilot training activities. This agreement – which was unveiled at Airshow China 2010 in Zhuhai – will result in an intensification of training for future helicopter pilots, and will lead to the establishment of a working group to determine a timeline for different areas of cooperation.

Ab-initio training involves the preparation of pilots from the start, utilising students who have no previous helicopter flight experience. It enables a new generation of pilots to enter training that readies them for a professional helicopter aviation career.

“This agreement will allow China to establish a resource of qualified helicopter pilots and consolidate the local infrastructure for rotary-wing operations,” said Wu Tongshui, President of CAUC. “We are very honoured to be part of this initiative, which constitutes a win-win solution for both our university and Eurocopter.”

CAUC is a Tianjin-based national university, and is one of the largest aviation training schools under the authority of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC). It was established in 1951 to provide civil aviation education and training for new pilots in China.

“For Eurocopter, teaming up with a renowned university and established pilot school in China will enable us to discover high calibre students and future helicopter pilots,” added Philippe Crespo, Eurocopter’s Vice President of Training Services. “Identifying this talent from the start will help us better accompany local helicopter operators and contribute to the development of the Chinese aviation industry, while ensuring the highest levels of safety.

In China, Eurocopter is the only foreign helicopter manufacturer to have an established presence in the country with a full-fledged subsidiary and multi-site offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. This network covers sales, customer support, logistics, training and other services.

“Eurocopter China pledges to continuously expand on its 40 years of privileged partnership with the Chinese helicopter industry,” Bruno Boulnois, the CEO of Eurocopter China, said. “The signature of this pilot training agreement represents one more step in developing close collaboration with key local partners and customers in all areas.”

About Eurocopter China
Created in December 2006, Eurocopter China is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter Group, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products. In 2009, Eurocopter China achieved a turnover of 24 million Euros and a market share of 41%. With over 40 years of presence and 30 years of experience in industrial cooperation in China, more than 150 Eurocopter helicopters have been sold in the country. In order to provide quality service in proximity to Chinese operators, Eurocopter China has established a multi-based organization in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong staffed with around 35 employees.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 25 subsidiaries and participations on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.