Finnair Helicopters’ EC135 will be based in Naramata, British Columbia The EC135 will be supporting a variety of hydro missions across the province including; line inspection, vegetation surveys, construction/repair and environmental patrol.

“The helicopter industry is continually evolving and the selection of the EC135 allows us to be ahead of the curve in terms of safety and performance,” said Mr. Wayne Finn, President and Chief Pilot, Finnair Helicopters Ltd. “Having the support of a twin-engine aircraft allows for an increased sense of security and operational assurance for our customers.”

Finnair Helicopters currently holds a multi-year contract with B.C. Hydro and will support a large geographical area, including the two most active hydro areas in the province; Kamloops and Vernon. Finnair Helicopters has established a close working relationship with B.C. Hydro for the past 8 years.

“Eurocopter Canada is proud to support Finnair Helicopters’ move to the twin-engine market with the EC135, ” said Mr. Romain Trapp, President & CEO, ECL. “We are certain that this aircraft is the right asset for hydro activities. We are proud of Finnair’s commitment to Eurocopter products and we look forward to their continued success.”

The EC135 will be equipped with a cargo hook, hoist and harness. The aircraft will also have a mounted camera installed by Vector Aerospace.

With over 1000 aircraft in operation worldwide, The EC135 is a powerful, lightweight, twin-engine multi-mission helicopter that showcases top-notch technology while offering low operating costs. The EC135’s high endurance and extended range enables this helicopter to perform a full range of mission requirements, while carrying more payload over longer distances.

The EC135’s panoramic visibility, exceptional maneuverability, range, twin-engine performance, safety and large cabin make this helicopter perfectly suited for the most demanding missions. Its state-of-the-art avionics considerably reduce pilot workload and the design of the EC135 allows for fast and easy maintenance, thereby ensuring optimal dispatch availability. The EC135’s proven day/night VFR technology enables pilots to perform safe and efficient flights, even in the poorest weather conditions.

For enhanced engine operations and safety, the aircraft is equipped with two Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)-equipped Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2. The powerful, reliable turboshaft engines provided outstanding performance and vital reserves. The Category A EC135 platform excels in one-engine inoperative (OEI) scenarios. The EC135’s multi-purpose design allows for fast and easy maintenance and optimal reliability.

From Left..  Wayne Woytkiw, Western Regional Marketing Manager, ECL, Joanne Finn, Finnair Helicopters Ltd., Wayne Finn, President & Chief Pilot, Finnair Helicopters Ltd. and Romain Trapp, President & CEO, ECL.  

About Finnair Helicopters Ltd.

A division of Black Dog Enterprises Ltd., Finnair Helicopters Ltd. is based in Naramata, British Columbia and is owned and operated by Wayne and Joanne Finn.

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.