HK takes 'delivery' of new US$93m helicopter fleet in Paris

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, has today
(November 22, Paris time) taken 'delivery' of the government's new helicopter fleet in Paris.

French company Eurocopter secured the $728 million (US$93.3 million) deal to supply eight helicopters to the Government Flying Service (GFS) after a world-wide tender in 1998.

The contract to supply three Super Puma L2 and five EC155 helicopters was the company's biggest non-military order in the past decade.

Mr Tsang received a close-up look at the helicopters' capabilities and performance on Wednesday morning when he arrived at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport to join Eurocopter executives for a flight in one of the government's new Super Pumas.

And he was presented with a model helicopter to symbolise the deal during a business reception co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Brussels, the Confederation of French Business (MEDEF) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

"The Eurocopter deal is a good example of the opportunities that are possible in Hong Kong," said Mr Tsang.

"We have a level playing field for business. Companies from all over the world can compete on an equal footing for major contracts such as this one.

"At the end of the day it's about getting the best possible product for the best possible price. I'm sure our new helicopter fleet will serve us well and enhance our service capabilities."

Eurocopter President and CEO Mr Jean-Francois Bigay said his company was very proud to be supplying the new helicopters to Hong Kong.

"GFS is really a major operator world-wide in terms of missions capabilities and operational efficiency," he said.

Two Super Puma's arrived in Hong Kong on October 31 while the third is expected early next January. The EC155s will be delivered in phases by the end of next year.

The eight new aircraft will replace the three Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk and six Sikorsky S-76 helicopters that currently comprise the GFS fleet and have an average age of about 10 years.

GFS Controller Captain Brian Butt said the new helicopters would greatly enhance Hong Kong's search and rescue (S&R) capabilities.

All eight helicopters are equipped with floats to allow S&R over water.

Currently, only the six S-76 helicopters are equipped for maritime S&R.

Captain Butt said the Super Puma's had more than double the range and flying time of the current S-76 helicopters.

"The Super Puma's have a search radius of 395 kilometres and can hover at scene for 45 minutes. The S-76 has a search radius of 185 kilometres and can hover at scene for 15 minutes," said Captain Butt.

"They are also able to carry up to 15 survivors compared to four using our current helicopter fleet."

Captain Butt said the Super Puma and EC155 would also be able to shorten the transfer time for casualty evacuation to hospitals because they were able to land on rooftop helipads.

The helicopters include modern equipment such as a forward-looking infra-red system to help S&R and Police operations at night or in low visibility.

A Eurocopter engineer will be based in Hong Kong for at least 17 months to support the GFS aircraft engineers and help train them how to service and repair the aircraft.

The old Sikorsky helicopters will be gradually phased out and sold by tender.

Photo 1: The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, takes a close look at one of the Government Flying Service's new Super Puma helicopters in Paris. He is joined by Eurocopter Senior Vice President, Mr Philippe Harache.

Photo 2: The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, and Eurocopter Senior Vice President, Mr Philippe Harache, get ready for a flight over Paris in a Super Puma helicopter.

Ends/Friday, November 23, 2001