Rotorcraft
Despite a softening market, no sales letup at Eurocopter
Eurocopter (Booth No.

Eurocopter (Booth No. 4682) reports that it has so far seen no consequence of the global economic downturn in its corporate/VIP helicopter sales, which the French manufacturer said will in all likelihood exceed last year’s 168-order record.

“Our sales have slowed in European countries where economic growth is based on real estate, but this has been more than offset by increased activity in other regions,” Patrice Royer, director for market development, business aviation, private and commercial segments, told NBAA Convention News. He said sales continue to be brisk in the rest of Europe and the U.S., reflecting a broader trend among helicopter manufacturers. In the Middle East, high-end tourism demand is spurring sales. Asia, South Korea and India lead Eurocopter’s growth in the corporate/VIP segment, while China (except Hong Kong) has yet to deliver on anticipated growth. “Helicopters, at last, have become a business tool and a complement to business jets,” Royer asserted.

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