Fresh from receiving permission from the American authorities to fly over Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Eurocopter's EC130 B4 has made its debut on Reunion Island, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2010.

The aircraft, one of the quietest in its class at 8.5 decibels below the ICAO standard, will carry out tourism operations and aerial work for Corail Helicopteres.

Founded in 2004, the company has a fleet of five Eurocopter helicopters for tourism, transport, aerial work, firefighting and air evacuation. A second EC130 B4 will join the fleet before the end of the year.

Corail Helicopteres carried more than 22,000 passengers in 2011 and now plans to add a link between Reunion Island and Mauritius.

"Aside from the performance of a helicopter that boasts Eurocopter technology, the added safety of the fenestron rotor and exceptional cabin visibility, the EC130 B4 is out in front when it comes to reduced sound levels," says Alfred Chane Pane, ceo of Corail.

"Our selection of this helicopter is part of the programme we have set up to share the splendour of Reunion Island with tourists from all over the world, and to protect that heritage through our aerial work and firefighting operations."

Eurocopter vp Europe and Central Asia Olivier Michalon adds: "In addition to flight safety and technological excellence, environmental performance is a core aspect of Eurocopter's innovation strategy."