Thierry Dubois is a freelance writer specializing in helicopters, business aviation and aerospace technology. He earned a degree in fluid dynamics from an engineering school in Toulouse, France in the mid-1990s. At an unexpected crossroads, he found his first job in journalism. In 1997, he started working for French aerospace weekly Air &amp; Cosmos in Paris. This lasted until 2000, when he moved south to Lyons. He then became a freelancer, working for various aerospace publications and has been part of the AIN team since late 2000. In addition to writing about business aviation, Thierry shares responsibility for the rotorcraft section. He also is a regular on-site writer for AIN’s daily editions at international airshows such as the Paris, Farnborough, Dubai and Singapore shows, as well as at EBACE in Geneva.
In 2007, he won the Honeywell award for “Best systems or technology submission” at the Aerospace journalist of the year awards. In 2013, he won an Aerospace Media Award for the "Best Safety, Training &amp; Simulation Submission."
In other activities, Thierry moderates international conferences on aviation technology topics. Thierry is married and has three children, who seem to begin enjoying the mountains–as their parents do.

Writer

Thierry Dubois

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.
Still, he said he does not anticipate fractional ownership catching on in helicopters in a big way. “Fractional ownership flights are positioning flights 40 percent of the time. The helicopter’s low speed and short range make it incompatible with this model. One exception may be in very large urban areas. This is what Sikorsky is doing in the northeast U.S.,” he said. 
Another factor contributing to the continuing success of corporate/VIP rotorcraft sales are the lower noise and vibration levels in the newest helicopter models. The most popular helicopters for these applications are single-engine Ecureuils–the AS 350 B2/B3 and the EC 130 B4. “They are more versatile than the AgustaWestland A109,” Royer claimed. In second place is the EC 135 light twin, the corporate/VIP prospects for which have been boosted by the Hermès ultra-luxury version. Third on the podium is the EC 225 Super Puma 11-metric-ton twin, driven by sales to heads of state.
“Owner-pilots first look at performance and aesthetics, while corporate customers look at comfort,” Royer said. Executive air charters, “a small market,” want versatile helicopters because they usually have several businesses. Many of them opt for the AS 355 NP Ecureuil light twin, Royer noted.
Eurocopter is now working on a dedicated product support initiative for corporate/VIP operators. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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