During Airshow China in Zuhai, Turbomeca (Safran group), leading manufacturer of gas turbines for helicopters, announces the signature of a contract for 80 Arriel 2C engines kits with AVIC International (AVIC International Holding Corporation) under the witness of SAIC (South Aero-engine Industry Corporation). First deliveries are scheduled for 2011.

“In the frame of our cooperation agreement, I am happy to see that SAIC confirm their confidence with this new order.” said Pierre Fabre, chairman & CEO of Turbomeca.

Arriel 2C engine. In 2005, a cooperation agreement was signed with AVIC (China Aviation Industry Corporation), for the delivery of more than 160 Arriel 2C under license. The success of licensed Arriel 2C has been confirmed in 2008 through 80 additional orders.

Turbomeca in China
* The engine manufacturer is continuing and creating even closer links between Chinese and French industries
* Local presence and proximity support are reinforced with Turbomeca (Beijing) Helicopter Engines, increasing the Turbomeca assistance to the operators locally.
* Furthermore, Turbomeca performed industrial worksharing with Beijing Turbomeca Changkong, the first joint company between Turbomeca and an AVIC company, to assemble and tests the hydro-mechanical modules (HCU, FCU) of turbine engines.
* Powering 300 helicopters in China, Turbomeca is the leading helicopter engine supplier in China: one helicopter out of two is equipped with Turbomeca engines or licensed products.

Turbomeca has established ties with Chinese airframers HAIG (Harbin Aircraft Industries Group) & CAIG (Changhe Aircraft Industry Group), as well as with AVIC’s helicopter engine manufacturing entities Dongan and SAIC through various collaboration programs in the 2.5 to 7 ton helicopter market.

About Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 68 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Dedicated to 2,350 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 16 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.