McAlpine Helicopters, which is organising the imminent delivery of two Eurocopters to corporate clients in Ireland, reports an upturn in demand in the British Isles.

Sales and marketing manager Nick Hardy said: "For the past five years we have sold an average of 12 Eurocopters a year. Last month we sold three machines.

"Orders have picked up during the last six months. There has been an increase in demand for privately-owned Eurocopters."

He said McAlpine Helicopters, UK sales and distribution representatives for Eurocopter, was organising imminent deliveries for an EC130 and an EC135 to Ireland and three EC145s to London for the Metropolitan Police.

Hardy said: "There is a demand for long-range machines that are big and capable and we are benefitting from that."

Low interest rates in Ireland are among favourable factors. And property developers, who have made strong gains in both the north and the south, are among propspective purchasers.