Electricity distribution company Western Power Distribution (WPD) in the UK has signed a purchase agreement for an EC135 P2e. The aircraft will join WPD's current fleet of four EC135 P1s.

Robin Tutcher, the operator's helicopter unit manager, says: “Augmenting the existing fleet has become a necessity because our helicopters play a major role in assisting with the fault diagnosis, maintenance and the management of the WPD electricity network. This additional aircraft will help us to increase our current annual flying levels from 2,800 to 3,500 hours.”