Two customers sign up for the VIP version of Eurocopter’s EC175 twin-engine, medium-class helicopter

VIP cabin interior. Image courtesy Eurocopter.

Eurocopter has signed two customers for the VIP version of its EC175, with these bookings coming only six months after the twin-engine, medium-class helicopter was introduced to the upper-end market with a specially designed elegant and luxurious interior.

The two firm orders were announced by Eurocopter today at the U.K. Helitech International exposition in London. Both rotorcraft are to be delivered to the unnamed customers in 2016.

Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations said:

“This market response underscores the EC175 VIP’s unparalleled elements of style and comfort. It combines the largest cabin of any medium-sized twin-engine helicopter with a superior level of interior cabin creativity from Pegasus Design’s Peder Eidsgaard, whose worldwide reputation results from his work on business jets and super yachts.”

Features of the EC175 VIP include a unique cabin layout with two seating areas. The forward zone provides a lounge atmosphere with facing club seating position for four passengers, while an aft sofa-style seat comfortably accommodates three passengers. Options include electrochromatic windows, an in-flight entertainment system with audio and video interfaces, and wireless connectivity via satellite communications links.

Eurocopter offers the EC175 VIP in three different styles, all accommodating from six to eight passengers. Cabin outfitting and completion of EC175 VIP helicopters will be performed by Eurocopter at its Marignane, France production and delivery facility, providing the company’s full resources for this top-of-the-line rotorcraft.

The EC175 is Eurocopter’s new medium-class, twin-engine helicopter, offering excellent range, performance and cruise speeds, while also meeting the most demanding operational safety standards. It was developed through extensive consultation with operators and end-users, resulting in an optimized rotary-wing aircraft with the latest state-of-the-art technology.

To date, Eurocopter has received total bookings for 48 EC175s. Certification of the helicopter is targeted for early 2014, with the first customer deliveries following during the year. Eurocopter has the widest range of helicopters tailored for VIP and high-end market operators. Eurocopter is the leader in business and private aviation with 500 helicopters delivered to these sectors during the past five years.