MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced today that Shandong Qi Xiang General Aviation Ltd (Qi Xiang GA) and Avion Pacific Ltd (Avion), MD Helicopters’  sales distributer in China,  reached an agreement on an order for a new 500E helicopter. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery the second quarter of this year and will be used for agricultural spraying and utility work in the Shandong province, south of Beijing.

“We are honored that Shandong Qi Xiang General Aviation has selected the MD 500E, signifying our first sale of this renowned aircraft in China,” said Ms. Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MDHI. “The versatility and reliability of the MD 500E helicopter will provide Qi Xiang General Aviation with superior performance and safety during demanding conditions often experienced in utility and agricultural missions.”

The MD 500E provides the highest speed, payload and productivity in its class. Additionally, the aircraft’s fully articulated rotor system allows for safer operation and increases operational availability through reduced susceptibility to wind conditions.

“The key features of the MD 500E, including the five-bladed main rotor and Rolls-Royce turbine engine, make it well suited for our company,” said Mr. Liu Haifeng, Director of Board, Qi Xiang GA. “We’re confident this aircraft will further expand our business capabilities.”

The 500E aircraft will be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, including complete dual VHF capability, cargo hook provisions, and comfort windows. The cockpit configuration will feature a fully integrated cockpit with a Garmin suite of transponder, audio and COMM/NAV units. The aircraft will also operate with the standard left hand command which allows room for an extra passenger with the capacity to seat five.

With the proven reliability of the aircraft’s derated turbine engine and superior fail-safe design, the 500E will provide superior performance to Qi Xiang GA for use in agricultural chemical spray applications and power-line survey missions. The sale marks the first market debut in China for the MD 500 series, which is comprised of the 500E, 520N and 530F model helicopters.

Visit MD Helicopters in booth 6922, hall D at the 2014 HELI-EXPO, to meet with product specialists and see the latest advancements in the world’s leading aerial scout fleet.

About MD Helicopters

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company, is a leading manufacturer of commercial, military, law enforcement and air-rescue helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for its value, versatility and performance. The MD Helicopters family includes the twin-engine MD Explorer, and single engine versions of the MD 600N, MD 520N, MD 500E, MD 530F, MD 530A, MD 530G and MD 540A. The innovative NOTAR system for anti-torque control with no tail rotor is used exclusively by MD Helicopters to provide safer, quieter and confined-area access capability. The company is based in Mesa, Arizona. For more information about MDHI, visit www.mdhelicopters.com.

About Shandong Qi Xiang General Aviation Ltd

As a cutting-edge company in China’s general aviation industry, Qi Xiang GA fully takes advantage of its security conditions and advantage locations with its base in Laiwu City, Shandong, China. Its aviation operations cover power, agrochemical industries all around China. Founded in 2011, Qi Xiang GA has dedicated itself in building a world-class fleet to help the rapid growth of general aviation industry in China. For more information, please visit www.qixianghangkong.org.