Eurocopter inaugurates extension of its Aviation Training Academy in Kassel

Eurocopter, the internationally leading German-French-Spanish helicopter manufacturer, inaugurated a new building complex at its Aviation Training Academy today in the Marbachhöhe Technology Park near Kassel, Germany, as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. The ground-breaking for the 1,000 square meter building took place on April 13, meaning that the extension has been completed in only five months-just in time for the institute's anniversary. Bertram Hilgen, city mayor of Kassel, Dr Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH and Detlef Ehrig, Director Training Academy Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH as well as Jean-Pierre Arnaud, Rulemaking Officer at the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), all attended the official opening ceremony in Kassel.

Several million euros have been invested in the construction project. The expansion of the facilities for practical aviation training and for training units of the German armed forces also offers room for a segment of an Airbus A310 airframe, an EC135, three BO105s and several aircraft parts.

The academy can currently provide training to up to 350 trainees at one time. "The aim is to strengthen this capacity in the coming years with the new building and offer additional attractive courses for the German armed forces and civil aviation customers," explained Detlef Ehrig, head of the Training Academy, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH. "In connection with the expansion project, additional training areas have been created on site and in future it will be possible to provide instruction in aviation technology with a stronger trainee- and problem-oriented approach."

"In the new facilities created with the expansion of our Training Academy, we can now offer one of the most comprehensive training programs for the helicopter industry in Europe," stated Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH. "The competitiveness of the German training center will also create additional potential for international training projects in the industry."

The expanded center of excellence for basic aviation training is fully aligned with Eurocopter's strategy. Stronger focus will be placed on international aspects of a customer-oriented and comprehensive service offering. As a leading helicopter manufacturer, the company will include the basic training of technical and flying personnel as a permanent component in the range of services it offers. Up to now Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH has mainly concentrated on the local market for its customer base, both in the airplane as well as in the helicopter sector, but from now efforts to strengthen the international dimension of its training activities will be stepped up. Initial talks about possible partnerships are already being conducted in the existing international network with China, Malaysia and the Middle East.

Source: Eurocopter

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