Announced at the Heli-Expo industry trade show in Las Vegas, the agreement covers aftermarket support and training, as well as the purchase of aircraft for use by its operating companies across the world.

Perfectly suited for the most demanding mission requirements, the EC145 T2 is the newest 4-ton-category twin-engine helicopter in Eurocopter’s product range. Three of these latest additions to Avincis’ 350-strong fleet will be used to deliver life-saving EMS missions services in the U.K., with the rest being destined for use in Western Europe. The initial aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2014.

Avincis Group CEO James Drummond said: “As a mission-critical services business, Avincis needs to ensure we have the right fleet to enable us to react quickly, handle any emergency and go wherever our customers need us – always ready, always there. We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Eurocopter, who are an important partner in our future growth.”

Lutz Bertling, the President CEO of Eurocopter, added: “This agreement marks the latest step in a four-decade relationship with the Avincis Group. As a result, the EC145 T2’s operational capabilities will be available to an even broader segment of the global EMS community.”

The EC145 T2 is an evolved version of Eurocopter’s popular twin-engine EC145, incorporating new Arriel 2E engines, along with the company’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

About Avincis Group

Avincis is the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search rescue, coast and city surveillance, fire fighting and energy support services. Based in the U.K., the Group provides central resources, safety and operating standards and systems and expertise to its operating companies who serve local markets and customers in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Chile, Peru, U.K., Norway, Australia and Ireland. Of primary importance is the Group’s oversight of safety standards across all its operations, with a global target of zero accidents. In 2011, the Group flew over 108,500 hours worldwide.