NEWS | EC135 in UK Western Power Distribution

UK Western Power Distribution Selects EC135P2

Western Power Distribution purchase an EC135P2 and will join four current EC135P1. The EC135 series is the most widely used aircraft across UK Emergency Services and National Resilience market





UK Western Power Distribution Selects EC135P2
Airbus Helicopters, October 30, 2014 - Oxford, UK - Western Power Distribution (WPD) has signed a purchase agreement for a new EC135 P2e from Airbus Helicopters UK.

The aircraft, selected against a demanding requirement, will join WPD’s four current EC135 P1s, making it one of the largest, independent fleets in the UK.

Robin Tutcher, WPD’s Helicopter Unit Manager said: “Augmenting the existing fleet has become a necessity because our helicopters play a major role in assisting with the fault diagnosis, maintenance and the management of the WPD electricity network. This additional aircraft will help us to increase our current annual flying levels from 2,800 to 3,500 hours.

“With a proven track record, minimal downtime and limited maintenance input which is complemented by ongoing support from the Airbus PBH and Pratt and Whitney FMP programmes, the selection of the EC135 P2 as our fifth aircraft was a straightforward decision.”

Due to be delivered in March 2015, the EC135 P2e meets WPD’s tough requirements thanks to its extended range and simple, multi-purpose design which allows for fast and easy maintenance and optimal dispatch reliability.

Scarcely two weeks after the order by another customer for two EC135 T3 for the Air Ambulance role, the selection by WPD strengthens Airbus Helicopters position as the market leader in National Resilience with 70% of the market.

“The increased capability EC135 P2e provides WPD with an aircraft to meet their most critical mission requirements, directly supporting them to keep their 7.8 million customers on line,” said Colin James, Managing Director at Airbus Helicopters UK. “As the UK’s premium rotorcraft supplier, it is very important for us to be supporting our country’s infrastructure providers where we can. We will ensure that WPD continues to benefit from an aircraft and a support service which guarantees the very highest levels of availability.”

About Western Power Distribution: Western Power Distribution (WPD) is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales, and is responsible for delivering electricity to approximately 7.8 million customers in the UK. WPD is not an electricity supply company and does not bill customers in the UK. Its responsibility is to distribute electricity from the point of generation to homes and businesses.

About Airbus Helicopters UK Limited: Airbus Helicopters UK Limited – Britain’s civil helicopter hub – and its predecessors have been present and highly active in the United Kingdom for 40 years, dominating the civil rotary-wing sector. Its contribution to the aerospace sector of the national economy includes the development of police aviation with a 75 percent market share, a 70 percent share of the air ambulance sector, and well over 50 percent of the offshore oil and gas market.

Airbus Helicopters UK Limited is headquartered in Oxford, with additional bases in Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Hawarden (Wales) and Aberdeen (Scotland) and provides the full range of products and services for the rotary-wing sector, including prime contractor for the RAF Puma Mk2 upgrade and support programmes.

Some 450 Airbus helicopters form the largest part of the UK's helicopter fleet and the backbone of vital national infrastructure, with approximately 100 helicopters serving the UK Ministry of Defence for transport, training and high end operational missions. To date, Airbus Helicopters UK Limited has exported high technology helicopter solutions to 23 nations worldwide. The Airbus group employs more than 1500 people across the British Isles.


helicopter
Aircraft mentioned in this article :
EC135P2+ G-WPDE     ( Western Power Distribution )

  See also


EC135 in UK Western Power Distribution




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