Press Release

Issued by Airbus Helicopters.

May 4, 2009

The first "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès" has just been delivered to Falcon Aviation Services, provider of high level aviation services in the UAE and Gulf regions, in Abu Dhabi.

To celebrate its arrival in the UAE, this exclusive EC135 helicopter is presented today at the Emirates Palace .

Eurocopter and Hermès created this state-of-the-art aeronautical product that is harmonised and blended to suit the needs of VIP and business travellers. Soon to be seen over the skies of the UAE, this VIP helicopter provides an intimate and comfortable space for passengers who enjoy travelling in style.

"We are delighted to be the first customer for "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès", which gives us the opportunity to offer a unique travelling experience to our customers" said Mr. Salem Al Kayoumi FAS's Vice Chairman. "This helicopter illustrates a successful fusion between design and technology, where every detail has been created for VIP and business travellers. They are busy and highly demanding, yet wish to travel with utmost comfort and elegance" he added.

"L'Hélicoptère par Hermès": elegance in motion

"L'Hélicoptère par Hermès" is a singular experiment in collaborative engineering and design which was not founded on a straightforward combination of skills, (technical on one hand and "decorative" on the other) but on a truly mutual evolution on dialogue and research between Eurocopter engineers and Hermès designers and craftmen. The key concept of "l'Helicoptère par Hermès" is: the passenger is all important. Issues of style versus engineering are resolved to provide an uncompromisingly user-centric experience.

Based on the EC135, the world leader in the new generation of light, twin-engine helicopters, "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès" unites the most advanced aircraft technologies developed by Eurocopter with the savoir-faire of Hermès, which has accompanied discerning travellers for more than 170 years.

Combining a spacious cabin with a seating capacity for four passengers, ample storage compartment and lateral sliding doors, the EC135 - Eurocopter's best-selling light multimission, twin-engined helicopter with an unusually low noise-signature - provided an ideal template for the Hermès designer and craftsmen.

Hermès' distinctive signature is apparent across the aircraft's exterior and interior design treatment.

Sliding doors on the helicopter open to reveal an interior configuration that is pure, light-filled and unexpectedly spacious. The cabin was completely redesigned by Hermès Interior and Design to maximize available space. Canvas "Toile H", traditionally used by Hermès for travel goods is used to cover the cockpit.

Seats and banquette are handcrafted for exceptional comfort, and upholstered in calf leather, naturally grained and highly resistant.

A sliding glass partition now separates the passenger compartment and cockpit, enhancing privacy while allowing light to enter from the aircraft's fore-section.

The landing gear has been redesigned to allow for easier and more elegant access to the cabin.