Turbomeca (Safran) partners with Airbus Helicopters (Airbus Group), Air Medical Group Holdings and Indian operator Aviators Air Rescue to develop a dedicated air-ambulance service in India.
Through this agreement, announced at the Aero India air show, Turbomeca will power a fleet of EC135 T3 helicopters selected by Aviators with Arrius 2B2Plus engine and will power maintenance services through a Support-By-The-Hour (SBH) contract.
Three EC135 T3 selected by Aviators Air Rescue Private Limited will be operational beginning last quarter of 2015 to cover the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
More EC135 T3 are expected to be phased in during 2016 for expanded nationwide coverage.
Turbomeca India Managing Director, Satish Kirtikar said: “We are proud to be part of this joint effort to provide medical assistance to the Indian people. The Arrius 2B2Plus combines state-of-the-art technology with a best–in-class reliability; providing crews with extra confidence during emergency operations in demanding conditions”.
To celebrate their new partnership Airbus Helicopters, Turbomeca and Aviators are co-sponsoring a launch ceremony in Bangalore on February 19.
With over 1,500 engines in operation in India, Turbomeca is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer in the world with more than 50 per cent market share. The company’s success in India is measured by its long-term cooperation with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s (HAL) military product line and its position in the growing civil helicopter market.