Thailand gets four EC725s
The Royal Thai Air Force has received four EC725 tactical transport helicopters from Airbus Helicopters for search and rescue and troop transport duties, the company announced on 25 August.
The air force ordered the four EC725s in 2012, and the new helicopters are expected to enter into operation later in the month. Two additional EC725s were booked in 2014, with their deliveries scheduled in 2016.
The EC725 is an 11-ton twin-engine helicopter with a digital four-axis autopilot and high-performance mission and navigation systems. It can seat up to 28 people and is suited for combat and civilian search and rescue flights.
Fabrice Rochereau, vice president of sales and customer relations in Asia Pacific, Airbus Helicopters, said: 'With Thailand's investment in the modernisation of its aircraft inventory, the EC725s will become a formidable asset in the Royal Thai Air Force's helicopter fleet.'
Derek Sharples, managing director, Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia, said: 'We welcome the Royal Thai Air Force as a new Airbus Helicopters operator. They can count on our full resources to support the successful deployment of the aircraft, and proximity services from our Thailand-based customer centre.'
Airbus Helicopters has booked several orders for the helicopter in Asia Pacific. Indonesia has ordered six EC725s, and Malaysia is already operating a fleet of 12 EC725s for search and rescue missions.
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