Airbus Helicopters, September 04, 2023 - On Aug 25, 2023, surrounded by employees, dignitaries, and media, Airbus Helicopters celebrated its 20th anniversary of manufacturing helicopters at its facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
It all began in 2003, when Airbus Helicopters (then Eurocopter) committed to building a manufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi in order to broaden its footprint in North America. By 2004, the location grew from a small facility and seven personnel to 85,000 square feet and 100 personnel when it landed an AS365 Dauphin re-engining contract with the U.S. Coast Guard.
By 2006 the company achieved a major milestone, and solidified the future of the Columbus plant, when it was awarded the contract to produce the UH-72A for the U.S. Army. Since its humble beginnings, the facility today has grown to employ a skilled team of 300+ personnel (35% military veterans) and has completed nearly 1700 helicopters.
The Columbus facility is an important part of the Airbus business picture as it accounts for 20% of the helicopters manufactured by the company globally. The success of the Columbus facility has not only brought the aerospace industry to the region, but significant economic development as well.
Tate Reeves, the Governor of Mississippi said “Airbus is, in many ways, the origin story for the success of this region. Airbus’ arrival here helped launch countless other investments that have shaped and improved this community for generations to come”
Airbus Columbus, Mississippi ceremony
The event began with a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the facility in which Airbus dedicated an AS350 helicopter mounted atop a large stanchion to be the outward reflection to the local community of what the facility manufactures. The paint scheme, which includes the U.S. flag, the Mississippi State flag, and “In God We Trust,” was developed through a design contest which included the plant’s employees.
Roman Trapp, President and Head of Airbus Helicopters North America said “Today, 300 employees work in this facility, many of whom are military veterans. I know that they really, really take pride in supporting national security as well as essential workers in air ambulance, firefighters, law enforcement, and search and rescue teams”
Following the aircraft dedication, hundreds of employees and media were taken on a celebratory timeline journey which included participation from heavy-hitters such as the President of Airbus Helicopters North America, two Mississippi state governors (current and past), a U.S. senator, and U.S. Army generals.
Immediately following the dignitary remarks and presentation, all attendees were asked to step outside onto the flight line to enjoy a helicopter aerobatics show put on by the world renown Red Bull helicopter which was piloted by Scott Urschel of Pylon Aviation. Apropos of Mississippi cuisine, following the helicopter aerobatic presentation, the crowd was treated to a lunch of classic southern favorites which included smoked pork, green beans, and mac and cheese and was afforded the opportunity to meet the delegation of dignitaries.
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker reflected, “Our purpose is to honor history. To look at 20 years of success in creating jobs and in defending our country, both at home and abroad. But it’s also about looking forward to the next decade, the next 20 years.” Wicker continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, our friends from Airbus, 20 years ago, with the leadership of so many people in this room and people who are not able to be with us, we performed something worthy to be remembered.”
It all began in 2003, when Airbus Helicopters (then Eurocopter) committed to building a manufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi in order to broaden its footprint in North America. By 2004, the location grew from a small facility and seven personnel to 85,000 square feet and 100 personnel when it landed an AS365 Dauphin re-engining contract with the U.S. Coast Guard.
By 2006 the company achieved a major milestone, and solidified the future of the Columbus plant, when it was awarded the contract to produce the UH-72A for the U.S. Army. Since its humble beginnings, the facility today has grown to employ a skilled team of 300+ personnel (35% military veterans) and has completed nearly 1700 helicopters.
The Columbus facility is an important part of the Airbus business picture as it accounts for 20% of the helicopters manufactured by the company globally. The success of the Columbus facility has not only brought the aerospace industry to the region, but significant economic development as well.
Tate Reeves, the Governor of Mississippi said “Airbus is, in many ways, the origin story for the success of this region. Airbus’ arrival here helped launch countless other investments that have shaped and improved this community for generations to come”
Airbus Columbus, Mississippi ceremony
The event began with a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the facility in which Airbus dedicated an AS350 helicopter mounted atop a large stanchion to be the outward reflection to the local community of what the facility manufactures. The paint scheme, which includes the U.S. flag, the Mississippi State flag, and “In God We Trust,” was developed through a design contest which included the plant’s employees.
Roman Trapp, President and Head of Airbus Helicopters North America said “Today, 300 employees work in this facility, many of whom are military veterans. I know that they really, really take pride in supporting national security as well as essential workers in air ambulance, firefighters, law enforcement, and search and rescue teams”
Following the aircraft dedication, hundreds of employees and media were taken on a celebratory timeline journey which included participation from heavy-hitters such as the President of Airbus Helicopters North America, two Mississippi state governors (current and past), a U.S. senator, and U.S. Army generals.
Immediately following the dignitary remarks and presentation, all attendees were asked to step outside onto the flight line to enjoy a helicopter aerobatics show put on by the world renown Red Bull helicopter which was piloted by Scott Urschel of Pylon Aviation. Apropos of Mississippi cuisine, following the helicopter aerobatic presentation, the crowd was treated to a lunch of classic southern favorites which included smoked pork, green beans, and mac and cheese and was afforded the opportunity to meet the delegation of dignitaries.
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker reflected, “Our purpose is to honor history. To look at 20 years of success in creating jobs and in defending our country, both at home and abroad. But it’s also about looking forward to the next decade, the next 20 years.” Wicker continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, our friends from Airbus, 20 years ago, with the leadership of so many people in this room and people who are not able to be with us, we performed something worthy to be remembered.”
Team Red Bull entertained the crowd with a helicopter aerobatics presentation
Golden Tringle Regional Airport See also |
Airbus Helicopters Columbus, Miss. Airbus Helicopters Inc 
