The sale of the first EC135 to Canada opens up new horizons for the new generation of light twin-engine aircraft.

The sale of the first Eurocopter EC135 in Canada “breaks the new generation light twin-engine barrier in this market,” says Tony Brown, VP Sales for Eurocopter Canada. “The redundant safety margin offered by twin-engine helicopters is causing operators to change their minds and affecting purchasing decisions.”
Canada’s first EC135 has been purchased by the VIH Aviation Group (1). Through its operating entity VIH Helicopters Ltd., the group operates 17 Eurocopter’s rotorcraft (16 Ecureuil). The EC135 will be used for utility work prior to deployment in the EMS sector.
“The EC135 meets FAR 29 requirements, which is exactly what our oil and gas clients have been asking for,” says Charlie Mooney, General Manager of VIH Helicopters Ltd. “They want new technology equipment with twin engine reliability. With the variable operating conditions in Canada we feel the EC135 will excel at providing the quality of service our customers require. When it comes to meeting these customer demands, “there’s nothing out there that can compete against the EC135,” Mooney notes.
“Traditionally, oil and gas companies have required their own aircraft to be twin-engine, for obvious safety reasons,” Brown continues. “Interestingly, the oil and gas companies don’t just want twins for passenger carriage. They also want to use them for aerial seismic work.”
One thing seems certain: The first EC135 to be sold in Canada won’t be the last. “Canadians believe in Eurocopter,” stresses Tony Brown. “And once they see how well this country’s first EC135 performs, we predict several operators will pursue.”