Heli-Union has taken delivery of its first two Eurocopter EC225s, configured for offshore operations and to be deployed in transportation roles for oil and gas companies.

"With its superior range and payload, the EC225 is tailored to perform the most demanding offshore missions and will enable us to meet our customers' evolving needs," says Patrick Molis, chairman, ceo and md of the Compagnie Nationale de Navigation, Heli-Union's parent company. "These deliveries confirm the successful five-decade partnership between Heli-Union and Eurocopter. We are looking forward to the next chapter of our cooperation."

Heli-Union's current fleet of 30 helicopters includes a wide range of Eurocopter products, including the AS350, EC145, AS365, AS332 and now the new EC225. In addition, the company has ordered four of Eurocopter's brand-new EC175s, for which deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013.

"Eurocopter and Heli-Union benefit from a long-standing cooperation, which allows for the optimal sharing of experiences and know-how," said Eurocopter ceo Lutz Bertling. "Our technical and commercial teams stand ready to support Heli-Union's growth into new regions around the world. By integrating the EC225 into a fleet, users will benefit from an aircraft that has become the reference for oil and gas missions, offering an outstanding performance for the challenging environments in which they need to operate."

The 11-ton EC225 can accommodate up to 19 passengers for crew change flights and is designed to meet the highest safety standard levels, assured by its system redundancy, automatic flight control system and full de-icing capability.