Le Anh
An EC 175 helicopter ready to perform a demonstration fl ight in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on Wednesday - Photo: Anh Quan
Mickael Melaye from Eurocopter said Vietnam was a potential market and thus the manufacturer chose Vietnam as one of the first three stopovers of its demonstration tour besides Malaysia and Thailand.
Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) currently uses ten different helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter.
In addition to VNH South, Eurocopter also targets oil firms as EC 175 is a medium utility helicopter suitable for oil and gas exploration, rescue and transport activities, said Melaye.
Compared to helicopters VNH South is using, EC 175 has a bigger body which is suitable for rescue work and passenger transport.
EC 175 can transport 16 passengers over a distance of 140 nautical miles, which is extended to 200 nautical miles if carrying 12 passengers.
According to Melaye, the price of EC 175 depends on the designs of each unit and requirements of customers. An EC 175 which is designed for oil and gas exploration and exploitation is priced at around US$20 million.
A representative of VNH South said that whether the company would buy an EC 175 or not was decided by its administering agency as the air carrier is a State-owned enterprise. VNH South would receive two EC 225 helicopters from Eurocopter next year in an order of four units placed in 2007, he added.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
