Airbus Helicopters Inc. is celebrating 50 years of supporting U.S. helicopter operators.

The company’s U.S. operations began in 1969 with the establishment of Vought Helicopter, Inc. in Texas, which France’s Aerospatiale took over in 1974.

Six years later, in 1980, Airbus Helicopters Inc. opened the doors to its current facilities in Grand Prairie, which is now home to the U.S. headquarters.

With the merger of the helicopter divisions of Aerospatiale and MBB in 1992, the company was renamed American Eurocopter Corporation. In 2003, it expanded its presence in the United States and opened a production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.

After a series of product development, sales and delivery milestones, the company assumed the Airbus branding in 2014.

Today, Airbus Helicopters Inc. proudly manufactures, markets, sells, assembles, supports and provides training solutions for Airbus helicopters in the United States.

With more than 700 skilled and dedicated employees, Airbus Helicopters Inc. continues to strengthen its position as market leader in civil and commercial helicopters.