Switzerland's Heli Bernina is upgrading its fleet with the emphasis on safety. The charter operator says good forward planning will enable clients to enjoy the benefits much earlier than might be expected through "normal channels."

The first of its two self-owned AS350B3 helicopters has been replaced with the latest model, and the second will also be replaced in

the near future.

The current market for used B3s means the time is right to replace them, says the St Moritz-based company, adding that the upgrades are an "investment in safety". The decision to upgrade revolves around the latest B3's dual Fadec, or Full Authority Digital Engine Control, explained Hansueli Baerfus, Heli Bernina's managing director.

"We had some money for investment, so we decided to renew our fleet. With the single Fadec [on the old B3s], you have to regulate the RPM by throttle, manually. With the dual Fadec, the second takes over, so for us that's an investment in safety," he says.

"We have another regular B3, and this last month we have ordered another 'B3 Plus'. So we will operate two 'B3 Pluses' soon."

Baerfus says prices for used B3s are currently "very high" due to long waiting lists for the B3 Plus. However, thanks to the foresight of Eurocopter's Swiss dealer, Heli Bernina was able to jump the queue for the new helicopter.

"When a customer orders a new B3 from the factory, there is a waiting time of 24 to 26 months. We had the chance, through the representative of Eurocopter in Switzerland, to step in and buy one, and to receive it within six months, so we decided to do it this way." Baerfus explains.

Eurocopter dealer Europavia were "looking a bit forward into the future," and advance-ordered three B3 Pluses, confident that they would be able to sell the machines, he says.

"This year we again had the possibility to get a new B3 within 12 months, instead of waiting for 24 months."

The first of Heli Bernina's old AS350B3s, with 3,000 hours, was sold on to a company in Norway.

The new one will be used 85 per cent of the time for construction and sling work, and also for VIP flights, sightseeing and photography.