The contract was signed at the Paris Air Show by Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd's (Hornbill) Executive Chairman, Datuk Aidan Wing and Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd's (ECM) President & CEO, Pierre Nardelli.
The Contract's work scope involves upgrading 2 units of EC135 P2 to the EC135 P2e version, increasing its payload by 40kg to a maximum take-off weight of 2,950kg. It also includes the installation of inlet barrier filter (IBF) as well as the replacement and upgrading of the High Frequency system for all the 5 helicopters. The retrofit contract is valued at RM9 million (approximately 2.3 million euro).
"ECM, with their fully established facility in Subang, Selangor, provided the best offer in terms of price, expertise and commitment. This upgrading of our existing EC135 fleet is necessary to better serve our needs to perform dedicated missions especially in challenging areas in East Malaysia," said Datuk Aidan Wing, Executive Chairman of Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd.
The retrofit works will commence in July 2011 at ECM's facility in Subang. It will take approximately 2 months per helicopter - with its completion expected in June 2012. This is the first time such a retrofit will be performed in a Eurocopter subsidiary in Asia.
"Eurocopter always believes in partaking of knowledge with their customers and accompanying them whenever possible. Hornbill's engineers have been invited to participate personally during the retrofit process so that they can have the unique opportunity to learn from ECM's experts. This transfer of technology is something that we advocate, which is highly appreciated by our customers," said Pierre Nardelli, ECM President & CEO.
About Eurocopter Malaysia (Website: www.eurocopter.com.my)
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 130 employees and 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-hours' service, highly skilled workers and efficient logistic services. Eurocopter Malaysia has in its stable some 20 small and medium enterprises. The company is also an authorized training centre which provides a range of services for customers, from standard training to customized courses.