Article Posted on : - Feb 12, 2011

BANGALORE (PTI): Three Indian companies have acquired five AS350 B3 helicopters, manufactured by European helicopter company Eurocopter, at the Aero India 2011 exhibition here.

Three of the rotary-wing aircraft were ordered by Global Vectra, whose fleet would grow to seven AS350 B3s, while Summit Aviation and SS Aviation each purchased one.

All five are scheduled to be delivered during 2011.

"The AS350 B3 has become the single-engine helicopter of choice for major Indian operators, who are increasingly adopting it for their fleets," Eurocopter President and CEO Lutz Bertling said in a statement.

The AS350 B3 helicopter can carry more passengers in hot and high conditions than any other rotary-wing aircraft in its class.

"Seeing this trend, we are confident the AS350 B3 will be instrumental in developing such segments as heli-tourism, passenger transportation, rescue, aerial work and law enforcement throughout the country," Bertling said.