The EC 135 and its glass cockpit concept “MEGHAS avionique suite” by Thales Avionics have been certified for Single Pilot Instrument Flight Rules (SPIFR) operations by the UK’s CAA. A spokesman gloated: “This is a technical achievement that the EC 135's two direct competitors, has not yet been able to equal here.”

This SPIFR certification is said to be particularly important for Bond Helicopters, the largest operator in the UK with 15 EC 135s. Said the spokesman: “The company mainly uses these helicopters for law enforcement and air rescue operations. The fact that they can now operate in IFR conditions with just one pilot at the controls and with the autopilot operating, considerably expands the helicopter's operating spectrum.”

Since its commercial debut in 1996, in excess of 230 EC 135 aircraft have been sold worldwide.