Airbus Helicopters And Babcock Secure EC145 Contract
To Support French Ministry’s Helicopter Fleet
In a move to bolster the operational capabilities of the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale, Airbus Helicopters and Babcock have clinched a pivotal contract to provide comprehensive support for the French Ministry of Interior’s fleet of 48 EC145 helicopters.
The 12-year agreement, set to commence this year, was formalised with the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé), the governing body overseeing aircraft maintenance for the French government.
Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Romain Trapp, Executive Vice President of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters, underscored the crucial role played by the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale in ensuring public safety across France.
“We are proud to have secured this contract, which not only underscores the confidence placed in us by these entities but also solidifies our enduring partnership,” remarked Trapp. “Our commitment is unwavering in ensuring that the EC145s remain operational round the clock to fulfil their critical missions.”
The contract scope encompasses technical support, including deploying industry technical representatives at various locations, provision of spare parts, logistics solutions such as transportation of spares and stock management, technical data management, and software support.
The 48 EC145s, distributed across 41 bases in France, including five bases in French overseas territories, cater to the operational needs of both the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie air forces.
These helicopters are pivotal in executing various missions, including search and rescue operations, emergency medical services, firefighting endeavours, and law enforcement activities.
In addition to supporting the existing fleet, Airbus Helicopters is modernising the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie’s helicopter fleet.
Four new H145s procured in 2021, supported by Airbus Helicopters and Babcock, are already in operation. Furthermore, a contract was inked in late 2023 to acquire 42 H145s for the French Ministry of Interior, with 36 designated for the Sécurité Civile and six for the Gendarmerie.
The commencement of aircraft deliveries is slated for 2024, marking a significant stride towards enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the safety and security of the French populace.
Featured image: The 48 EC145s are pivotal in executing various missions in France and French overseas territories. Credit: Airbus Helicopters
Last Updated on 9 months by News Desk 2
