CAPE TOWN -- Eurocopter has invested around ZAR 2 million in upgrading its Cape Town-based servicing and maintenance facility, enabling it to support a rapidly expanding Southern African customer base and fleet.

The company’s regional subsidiary, Eurocopter Southern Africa (Pty.) Ltd., will officially open its newly refurbished Cape Town facility on September 18 to coincide with the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition where it has a strong presence.

For 2008, Eurocopter Southern Africa expects to maintain the 2007 record year level for bookings and turn-over of roughly ZAR 650 million and ZAR 508 million respectively. This represents an increase of three times more than that of 2005, which in turn has allowed Eurocopter to maintain its market share in excess of 70 percent in this region.

“This significant business increase is attributable, in a booming market, to the adequacy of our products to the customer needs and also to the recognition by the market of the quality of our support towards our customers," says Fabrice Cagnat, CEO of Eurocopter Southern Africa.

Eurocopter currently supports a fleet of about 230 helicopters operating throughout Southern Africa. Most of these aircraft are in service with the police services in the region, emergency medical rescue organizations, VIP/corporate operations, and utility missions. A number of helicopters are also flown in the tourism/charter market.

“To meet this growth, we have increased headcount by 30 percent and today Eurocopter employs about 100 personnel, including 25 qualified engineers at our Lanseria headquarters and at our newly refurbished service centre at Cape Town International Airport,” says Cagnat.

The company has also established the Eurocopter Southern Africa’s Training Academy at Lanseria. This academy provides type rating and technical training for the whole Eurocopter product range to helicopter pilots and engineers for customers from across the region.

“Our investments demonstrate Eurocopter Southern Africa’s dedication and commitment to provide first class customer service in Southern Africa, and emphasises our long-term commitment to the region,” says Cagnat.

Eurocopter's technical presence has been increased with field representatives available, while the technical and servicing capabilities at Cape Town are part of Eurocopter Southern Africa’s commitment to provide assistance and support to operators all over the country and everywhere in Africa.

At the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Cape Town this week, the manufacturer displays several helicopters from its light single-engine range in cooperation with its customers: an EC120 and an AS350 B3 owned by Silvercross Helicopters, an EC130 operated by Jemax Aviation, and an EC130 by SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service. Eurocopter’s single-engine helicopter family enjoys high market acceptance in the Southern African market.

For more information visit www.eurocopter.com.