Article Posted on : - Nov 30, 2010

Eurocopter EC145. Photo: Eurocopter.

KUALA LUMPUR (BNS): Eurocopter Malaysia has delivered its first multi-role helicopter, EC145, to Sabah Air Aviation which will be used for medical airlift duties in Sabah.

Sabah Air Aviation selected the EC145 after an extensive evaluation, choosing the rotary-wing aircraft for its market leadership in the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) sector, benefitting from a large interior that accommodates two patients and paramedics, according to a news release by Eurocopter.

"Helicopters have been playing a role in saving lives in many situations for decades now, and they are unbeatable for point-to-point speed. We are now looking forward to putting the EC145 into service," YB Pang Yuk Ming, the Chairman of Sabah Air Aviation, was quoted as saying in the release.

The Eurocopter EC145 is a twin-engine light utility helicopter and can carry up to nine passengers along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for passenger transport, corporate transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, parapublic and utility roles.

"Eurocopter is the leading manufacturer of helicopters for emergency medical services, with our EC135 and EC145 being the aircraft of choice in these operations," added Pierre Nardelli, the President and CEO of Eurocopter Malaysia.