Eurocopter Establishes Fully-Owned Indonesian Unit

Eurocopter Establishes Fully-Owned Indonesian Unit

(NSI News Source Info) November 20, 2008: In line with its strategy to be a multi-local player with its own facilities in all its key markets, Eurocopter is pleased to announce the setting-up of Eurocopter Indonesia. This brings the number of its subsidiaries and participations to a total of 18 subsidiaries worldwide and enforces the Group’s footprint in Asia-Pacific where there are presently 6 subsidiaries in Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.

Eurocopter strengthens its cooperation programmes in Indonesia with PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI)

Eurocopter has been present in the country for more than 30 years through a partnership with PTDI which began in 1976, with the licensed manufacturing of 118 BO 105 helicopters. This first joint cooperation was followed in the 1980s by a full licensed production of 11 Puma SA330 and 19 Super Puma AS332 helicopters.

On 21st October 2008, Eurocopter and PTDI signed once again a partnership agreement which aims to set up a local assembly line for the manufacturing of Super Puma MK helicopter airframes. The new role played by PTDI in Eurocopter’s Global Supply Chain network directly derives from the lengthy and successful cooperation between the two entities.

All the above has contributed to building a strong brand name for Eurocopter in the country. The creation of this subsidiary increases proximity with customers thereby guaranteeing a customized service and reduced reaction time. It is also a proof of the company’s readiness to support the Indonesian authorities and industry for their present and future operations.

Based in Jakarta, the subsidiary aims to have a staff-strength of 70 – 100 employees by end of 2009. The subsidiary is in charge of all sales and customer support activities in Indonesia, in cooperation with PTDI for the governmental operators.

Eurocopter presently holds a 50% market share in the civil and military markets in Indonesia with a total Eurocopter fleet close to 150 aircraft ranging from Lama or BO105 to the most advanced EC155 or Super Puma AS332.

Today, the Indonesian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies as well as major governmental and commercial operators all fly Eurocopter helicopters. With ageing fleets in the country, Eurocopter anticipates numerous perspectives of helicopter acquisitions in the near future in order to modernise the existing fleets.

Eurocopter established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2007, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover exceeding 4 billion Euros, orders for 802 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.