Abu Dhabi based Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), which aims to have at least six Eurocopters in its fleet by the end of this year, at EBACE placed the first order for the EC135 light twin in 'l'Helicoptere par Hermes' luxury style.

FAS chairman Capt. Salem Al Kayoumi says the attractions include the luxury finish and the sliding glass partition between the passenger compartment and the cockpit. "The new addition will complement our three EC130s, EC135 and two AS365 Dauphins," he adds.

The initial FAS target is to expand its helicopter fleet to 12. But Capt. Al Kayoumi, says: "We're growing fast. Looking at the growth trend in this sector, we are aiming to have expanded our fleet to include another 15 helicopters and corporate jets by the end of 2011, an investment of U.S.$192 million."

FAS says its overall business development is benefiting from an exclusive maintenance deal with Eurocopter. The agreement included the launch of a Eurocopter Maintenance Centre at FAS's Al Bateen airbase which will service Eurocopter helicopters in the Arab Gulf region.