GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (October 2, 2012) -- American Eurocopter has delivered the company’s first EC130 T2 to Maverick Aviation Group. The EC130 T2 is Eurocopter’s newest model, introduced to the industry at this year’s Heli-Expo. Maverick, a leader in the Las Vegas and Grand Canyon tourism industry, was one of the launch customers for the new product line with a signed agreement to purchase up to 50 helicopters.
“Once again, Maverick has renewed their commitment to our product,” said American Eurocopter President and CEO Marc Paganini. “Today’s delivery confirms that the EC130 T2 is the ideal platform to meet their very demanding market requirements both now and into the future. We look forward to supporting the Maverick team and continuing our long-standing relationship”
Maverick Helicopters began in 1995 with one aircraft and was one of the first customers for the EC130, taking delivery of its first “ECO-Star” in 2003. Since then, the company has grown into the largest operator of EC130s in the world. The order is part of an upgrade and replacement program for Maverick’s all-Eurocopter fleet of EC130s, which are used to provide air tours of the neon lights of Las Vegas, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, as well as the Arizona’s Sonoran Desert and the colorful red rocks of Sedona.
“We made the choice early on to become an all-Eurocopter fleet because of the unmatched performance and safety features of the EC130,” said Greg Rochna, Chairman and CEO of Maverick Helicopters. “We provide our clients the safest, most comfortable VIP service possible and continue to use the ECO-Star product line because it is made for the tourism industry. The enhanced performance and technology, along with other improvements made to the EC130 T2, allows us to continue providing our customers with a unique tour experience.”
The spacious EC130 can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The EC130 T2 brings a more powerful 950 shp class ARRIEL 2D engine that provides improved fuel efficiency, an engine data recorder, and a 6,000 hour mature TBO (Time Between Overhaul), which will help reduce operating and direct maintenance costs. The additional power also results in an increased max weight and CG range for improved useful load.
Eurocopter also included several upgrades to increase passenger comfort that include an active vibration control system for a more comfortable ride, an improved air conditioning system, an optional right-side cabin sliding door, and other cabin and interior improvements.
The EC130 product line’s excellent visibility, unmatched cabin comfort, powerful performance, and low direct operating costs and maintenance requirements make it a perfect fit for air tourism. These same characteristics have resulted in its broad appeal to other operations, including corporate and air medical missions. American Eurocopter anticipates even more interest in these markets, as well.
About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is the U.S. affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS.
