Press Release

Issued by Airbus Helicopters Malaysia.

May 7, 2010

Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd, which is to take delivery of Eurocopter AS355 and EC145 helicopters later this year, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Eurocopter Malaysia for the creation of a Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Approved Maintenance Facility for Eurocopter helicopters. This center will ensure the right level of support for the newly acquired helicopters.

Chairman of Sabah Air, Pang Yuk Ming confirmed that delivery of the new helicopters will be in the second half of year 2010 and that their personnel are currently undergoing full training with Eurocopter in Europe.

"We have recently purchased from Eurocopter 2 aircrafts, an AS355 NP and an EC145. The AS355 NP is a twin-engine version of the very popular "Ecureuil" range and is to be used for the "Flying Doctors" service in Sabah, while the EC145 is intended to be used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Both of these aircrafts will be the first of its type in Malaysia, particularly the EC145, which will be the first EMS machine in the country," said Pang.

Pang said, after extensively studying its local requirements, Sabah Air selected these two Eurocopter helicopters for their suitability and ability to meet intended missions.

"Eurocopter Malaysia has given us great support to grow the helicopter market here in Sabah. Our presence here in the 1st Borneo International Oil & Gas Conference is to give a strong signal to the industry of our intention to get back into offshore operations and we feel that a tie-up with Eurocopter will be a great boost for us," added Pang.

President and CEO of Eurocopter Malaysia, Pierre Nardelli, expressed great appreciation in this future collaboration with Sabah Air.

"Sabah Air is one of the oldest Air Operators Certificate (AOC) holder in Malaysia and we are very pleased to have them as a customer, and welcome their preference for our aircraft over others. To offer the same level of service and support Eurocopter Malaysia provides on the Peninsular Malaysia, we are currently training Sabah Air staff to perform their own maintenance and to become a DCA Approved maintenance facility for these helicopters and enable other customers to utilize their facilities," said Pierre Nardelli.

Nardelli added that he anticipates the possible addition of other models in the Eurocopter aircraft range as and when required will provide impetus towards the ultimate goal of jointly creating a Eurocopter Approved maintenance facility in Sabah with Sabah Air.

"Eurocopter has been hugely successful globally in helicopter sales and part of this is attributed to great helicopters but more importantly, great support. Becoming a Eurocopter Approved maintenance facility is a tremendous undertaking as there are many requirements before this coveted status is granted."

However, given Sabah Air's future roadmap and commitment to take their organisation to the highest level of international standards, we feel that this is an achievable objective. We are delighted to be their partners in helping them achieve this objective. Taking a step in this direction will give Sabah's aerospace development a real boost," said Nardelli.