September 27, 2007
EADS' excellence in business and VIP aviation was highlighted at a major industry convention this week, where EADS North America's American Eurocopter business unit unveiled a fresh approach to corporate helicopters, EADS Socata announced an important upgrade to its TBM 850 aircraft, and Airbus marked a strategic expansion of its U.S. market presence in the executive jet transport sector.
These major developments were detailed at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) 2007 convention in Atlanta, which was attended by more than 32,000 executives, service providers, aircraft operators and other industry decision-makers.
A convention highlight was the unveiling of a top-end makeover for Eurocopter’s best-selling EC135 lightweight twin-engine helicopter, which was evolved in a cooperative effort with world-renowned luxury goods supplier, Hermès. The changes range from exterior design enhancements – including a revamped landing gear and a stylized paint scheme, to a redesigned interior that brings a new dimension of comfort to helicopters.
“Our cooperation with Hermès redefines the level of quality for a corporate helicopter, and it responds to a growing demand from this sector of the market,” said American Eurocopter President Marc Paganini as the updated EC135 was unveiled during a curtain-raising ceremony.
The Hermès EC135 redesign includes an optimized use of fabrics and leathers for heightened comfort, while also softening the ambient noise. Cabin surfaces from floor to ceiling are covered with the “Toile H” signature fabric that has been used in Hermès’ travel ware since the 1920s, while the helicopter’s handcrafted seats are upholstered in natural grain leathers.
Other new passenger cabin features include a pull-out console/bar, while the installation of rear facing seats was optimized to provide additional storage space and improve the ability to hang coats. A wide pillar that separated the passenger cabin from the cockpit was reworked into two thinner posts that are separated by a central sliding glass partition, ensuring privacy while allowing light to enter from the cockpit’s large wraparound windscreen and side windows.
First deliveries of EC135s with the Hermès refinements are scheduled for 2008.
Another business aviation development announced at the NBAA convention was EADS Socata’s selection of a new “glass cockpit” for its TBM 850 very fast turboprop aircraft. Using the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system, the TBM 850’s updated instrument panel will bring all primary flight and navigation information to a pair of 10-inch flat-panel LCD screens, while communication, terrain, traffic, weather and engine data will be displayed on a central 15-inch screen – the largest in its category.
“With the Garmin 100 system, we have once again responded to our customers by providing a fully integrated avionics system that eases pilot workload, saves weight and reduces the cost of ownership,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s Vice President Sales & Marketing, and the President of EADS Socata North America.
Chabbert said the schedule for EADS Socata’s introduction of G1000-equipped TBM 850s will be announced next year. The TBM 850 was launched in December 2005 as the company’s newest single-engine business aircraft, and it has received more than 100 orders to date. The majority of bookings have come from North American customers, with about a dozen ordered by operators in Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
In the high-end executive and VIP aircraft sector, Airbus used the 2007 NBAA convention to highlight its international sales success and to announce a new initiative in the North American marketplace.
Airbus is building up the sales of its Airbus Corporate Jetliner product line in North America, which includes the recent acquisition of six A318 Elites by Petters Aviation. In the latest development, Petters Aviation this week launched a facility at Minnesota’s Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport to assist customers with Airbus Corporate Jetliner sales, acquisitions and service; as well as charter support and aircraft management.
A record number of sales have been logged by the Airbus Executive and Private Aviation team so far this year, including five VIP A330s/A340s, and the first-ever order for an A380 in a VIP configuration.
Total orders for its Airbus Corporate Jetliner family – which is based on the A318, A319 and A320 airliners – have now reached the 100 mark, a milestone that was celebrated at an NBAA press conference with champagne and a special cake.
