A Memorandum of Understanding for the EC225s was signed today during the Langkawi Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition by company officials, witnessed by Malaysian Minister of Defense, YB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The acquisition is part of Weststar's strategy to build up an extensive helicopter fleet to be deployed around the world. Targeting to begin operating their new helicopters in 2014, the EC225s will strengthen their position in the global oil and gas market, as the aircraft's advanced technology and high performance has made it the helicopter of choice for oil and gas missions worldwide.
"We are delighted that Weststar has selected Eurocopter to provide for their heavy helicopter needs in their expansion plans," said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter's Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. "It is great to see an ambitious and impressive oil and gas operator such as Weststar extending its fleet with the leading heavy aircraft in its category after two years of operations with medium helicopters. Eurocopter is proud to accompany Weststar on its expansion journey with our state-of-the-art EC225."
Formed in April 2003, Weststar Aviation Services provides general aviation charter services, personal transport, aerial utility services and offshore transport. A member of the Weststar Group, this company's current Eurocopter fleet of seven rotary-wing aircraft includes a mix of light-single, light-twin and medium-twin helicopters.
"The EC225 is a well-recognized helicopter worldwide for oil and gas operations. This addition will definitely enhance Weststar's current venture into international markets such as the Middle East, Africa and South America," explained Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Weststar Group Managing Director.
Integrating Eurocopter's latest technological innovations, the EC225 can seat up to 19 passengers and excels in offering high payload, long range coverage and fast cruise speed. Deployed worldwide for civil and military search and rescue, as well as offshore and passenger transport missions, the Super Puma/Cougar family has logged more than 4.6 million flight hours in operations around the globe.
About Weststar Aviation Services
Formed in April 2003, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Weststar Group, provides general aviation charter services, personal transport, aerial work services and offshore transport.
In the general aviation sector Weststar operates seven Eurocopter helicopters and one AW139 VIP helicopter as well as Gulfstream, Boeing 737 and Boeing 727 business jets from its base at Subang. Weststar Aviation Services entered the offshore transport market when it won a five year contract from Carigali Hess to transport personnel using Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters from Kota Bharu in Malaysia.
With the additional two Eurocopter EC225, Weststar will have a total of 34 helicopters dedicated to providing offshore aviation services from Kota Bharu, Kerteh, Kota Kinabalu and in Africa.
About Eurocopter Malaysia
Eurocopter Malaysia was incorporated in 2002, and is the only helicopter manufacturer with a comprehensive network of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service centers in Malaysia. With a workforce of 120 employees and a presence in Subang, Miri and Kerteh, it provides a broad spectrum of services, ranging from scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aircraft modification (retrofit, painting, interior refurbishment and customization), as well logistics support (spare parts, repairs and overhaul). Eurocopter Malaysia backs its support offer with its inventory, 24-hour service, highly skilled workers and efficient logistic services. It has in its stable some 20 local small and medium enterprises as its vendors or partners.
www.eurocopter.com.my