Denmark's Dancopter has brought Eurocopter's 100th EC155 B1 into operation. Nils Skeby, ceo, says: "We were already operating five EC155s in the North Sea oil and gas market, and we are one of the launch customers of the EC175 with two on order."

From its main base in Esbjerg, Dancopter started offshore operations in support of the oil and gas industry in 2003, introduced successfully the first EC155 B1 helicopters in the North Sea, and now provides service to oil companies such as Hess and Dong Energy.

"We have expanded our activities in the Netherlands, Ireland and recently in Norway servicing Shell, Statoil, Gaz de France, Chevron, Wintershall, Det Norske and Maersk Oil," Skeby adds. Dancopter plans to add to its seven-strong all-EC155 fleet. "We are always looking ahead and the company signed early in 2008 for two EC175s so the EC155 B1 is not the end of our fleet expansion."

Skeby points out that the 13 passenger, one pilot, EC155 is a twin-engine, long range helicopter with the very latest technological innovation making it one of the most reliable helicopters on the market. It also enjoys a fast cruising speed of 143 knots and a wide roomy cabin. "Its advanced Fenestron tail rotor and five-blade rotor means it is also the quietest rotorcraft in its category, and ensures superior manoeuvrability, performance and reliability," he adds.