Airbus Helicopters local subsidiary, Australian Aerospace, will showcase the manufacturer’s technological leadership in the regional helicopter market with an impressive line-up of diversified and highly-capable rotorcraft at Rotortech 2014, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Organised by the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) at Maroochydore on May 24 – 25, Rotortech 2014 will be open to the aviation community and general public alike.

Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, the world’s largest manufacturer – formerly Eurocopter – will be there in force with a broad portfolio of the latest Airbus Helicopters products. At Rotortech 2014 six Airbus Helicopters will be on display, led by the new T2 variant of the popular EC130, supported by a member of the industry favourite Squirrel family, an AS350B3.

Jens Goennemann, CEO Australian Aerospace said “our formidable line-up at Rotortech 2014 reflects the importance we place on the local helicopter industry.

“Australia has always had a strong interest in helicopters and current sales performances are above our expectations. We have seen continued growth after the GFC and we anticipate the local market will continue to grow,” he said.

“But while the current Australian market is strong, different market segments have their own particular needs, which is why the AS350 remains the favourite among the lighter utility segment, and the EC130 T2 is popular with private and tourism operators,” Mr Goennemann said.

On the military side, Mr Goennemann said deliveries of the MRH90 helicopter were progressing well with Australian Aerospace delivering a record eight aircraft out of in-country production to the Australian Defence Force in 2013.

“In total, we have delivered 28 out of 47 MRHs to the ADF and are on schedule for another year of strong supply,” he said.

About Australian Aerospace:
With more than 1300 staff in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Aerospace has access to the financial strength and expertise of Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) and the Airbus Group. At its production facility on Brisbane Airport, Australian Aerospace is currently assembling and delivering 47 MRH90 multi-role helicopters for the Army and Navy and supporting 22 Tiger ARH armed reconnaissance helicopters for the Australian Army.

The company supports more than 450 helicopters in the Australia-Pacific region and is well positioned to deliver and support helicopters through a network of local facilities.

In addition to its helicopter capabilities, Australian Aerospace supports the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) AP-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft and C-130J Hercules transports.