Two air shows - EBACE and ILA, which took place in Geneva and Berlin respectively - were special highlights of the month of May.

From 3 to 5 May, EBACE, the top business aviation show in Europe, held its sixth edition in Geneva. Eurocopter took part for the fifth time, more than ever determined to show the helicopter as a means of transport that is perfectly suited to business men; over short distances, between an airport and a city center, the helicopter is the perfect partner of the private jet. The stakes of this show are high: all the visitors are potential buyers and, because of their network of contacts, they are every influential. Eurocopter therefore brought out some of its biggest guns: an EC135 in VIP configuration was on show at the company’s 108 m2 stand, while a magnificent EC155 lit up the outdoor static display area.

The Tiger and NH 90 at ILA
A few days later, from 16 to 21 May, the context was different in Berlin for the ILA show. This biennial show is a must for the entire aeronautical profession (manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and key influencers). Along with the Paris and Farnborough Air Shows, it is one of the three most important aeronautical events in the world. Eurocopter was there as a division of the EADS group and, playing “at home”, had numerous aircraft on display: the EC120 B Colibri, EC130 B4, EC135, EC145, and EC155 for the civil sector; and the Tiger and NH90 for the military market. In operational configuration, the Tiger and NH90 performed daily flights. Visitors were welcomed at the EADS stand and at a VIP Chalet decked out with the Eurocopter colors. While Eurocopter tries to make as many contacts as possible on site, these shows also provide the company with the chance to enhance its corporate image and highlight the technological advance of its aircraft. The enthusiastic response of visitors to the presentations at both EBACE and ILA showed that both shows were a huge success for Eurocopter.