Blackcomb Aviation’s EC130 will provide support for the company’s exclusive partnership with Whistler Blackcomb Resort for summer helicopter tours on Blackcomb Mountain as well as, supportingyear-round tourism flights originating from the Whistler Municipal Heliport.The aircraft will be based in Whistler, British Columbia and will also operate out of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This is the second aircraft delivered to Blackcomb Aviation this year from Airbus Helicopters, the first being a twin-engine EC135 in May 2014.

“Acquisition of the environmentally-friendly EC130 is an investment in the mission-specific aircraft our customers are demandingin our executive and tourism operations,” said Mr. Jonathan Burke, President and COO, Blackcomb Aviation. “We are thankful to the Airbus Helicopters team for their invaluable support and we look forward to continuing our relationship through future expansion of our fleet.”

Blackcomb Aviation currently operates both single and twin-engine Airbus Helicopters aircraft, including anEC120, EC130 B4, 2 AS350 B2’s, 2 AS350 B3’s, an EC135 T2 and 4 AS355’s.
In addition to executive travel, heli-skiing and heli-tourism, Blackcomb Aviation’s aircraft support missions for the power line and hydro sector, search and rescue, flightseeing and film production.

“Thanks to its great visibility, quietness, comfort, performance and safety, this flexible helicopter has become a key member of Airbus Helicopters’ Ecureuil product line.” said Mr. Romain Trapp, President, Airbus Helicopters Canada. “The EC130 will be a perfect fit for Blackcomb Aviation’s mission requirements and we thank them for once again entrusting Airbus Helicopters to support their multifaceted operations.”

The EC130 B4 is a light, single-engine helicopter with all the latest technology and a roomy, modular cabin with hi-density seating for 1 pilot plus 7 passengers, perfect for heli-skiing and tourism. Its Fenestron® tail rotor and automatic rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced operating noise level.Its sound level is 7 dB below the ICAO requirement and thus remains quieter than the most restrictive limits defined by the most demanding noise Regulation (Grand Canyon National Park). Reliable power is provided by the Turbomeca Arriel 2 turbine engine including a dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) with a third independent back-up channel. Integrated VFR equipment coupled with a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) is fitted as standard for day and night missions. The EC130 B4 is particularly adapted to passenger transportation, as well as, EMS, law enforcement and utility missions.

About Blackcomb Aviation

Celebrating its 25th year of operation in 2014, Blackcomb Aviation™ (www.blackcombaviation.com) is a privately-owned helicopter and jet charter company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company operates multiple aircraft out of Canadian and US bases in Vancouver/Richmond at YVR, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet, Bridge River Valley, Sechelt, and Arizona.   Blackcomb Aviation holds all current and applicable Air Operator and Aircraft Maintenance Organization certificates and authorities.  The company also provides aircraft management services to other aircraft owners and is a designated Aircraft Management Company by the Canadian Business Aircraft Association.  Blackcomb Aviation is co-owned by John Morris and the McLean Group, who also own and operate Vancouver Film Studios.

About Airbus Helicopters Canada

Airbus Helicopters Canada, formerly Eurocopter Canada, is a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters and a leading supplier of helicopters in Canada. Our helicopters are used across the country in key parapublic and civil roles which include: law enforcement, emergency medical services, oil & gas, mining, firefighting, hydroelectric utilities, environmental surveys, tour and corporate transport. Airbus Helicopters was established in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1984 and has additional operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec as well as a support and customer service network in place to support a fleet of over 670 helicopters in the country. The company is celebrating 30 years of success in Canada this year.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employsmore than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.