Press Release

Issued by Airbus Helicopters UK.

September 9, 2014

Minister for Business and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock recently visited Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford and toured the company's advanced aerospace design and maintenance operations. The Minister was briefed on the scale and nature of the company's operations, including the award of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) support contract.

The NPAS contract, worth in the region of £35 million over five years, will cover maintenance and support for the combined fleet of England and Wales' 19 police helicopters (a combination of EC135s and EC145s). Airbus Helicopters' high quality service and 30 year experience supporting the development and growth of emergency services' air support ensures that NPAS can benefit from the highest levels of safety, availability and reliability. With the ability to operate similarly to a military squadron, ensuring effective and balanced cover across the country, the NPAS contract maximises interoperability and directly supports Government policy to increase efficiencies in the emergency services.

Airbus Helicopters currently supplies close to 70% of the UK's emergency services and blue light helicopter fleets. Furthermore, the company is also a key supplier to the UK MoD, with all UK Armed Forces helicopter pilots having trained on Airbus Helicopter aircraft and by providing the RAF with the Puma 2 helicopters. The company also sells, supports and maintains business, corporate and vip helicopters with in-house advanced design and heavy maintenance operations.