New-generation European helicopters: EASA certifies AgustaWestland’s AW189 and Airbus Helicopters’ EC175

Cologne, Germany, 2014-2-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued on Friday 7 February 2014 a Type Certificate to AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, for the AW189 medium twin-engine helicopter. This certification occurs one week after Airbus Helicopters, an Airbus Group Company, completed the EASA Type Certification process for its EC175 medium twin-engine helicopter. Both helicopters now comply with the highest and most stringent safety requirements set by EASA for Europe.

Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director said: “Both certifications are a great achievement and an important milestone as they pave the way for entry into service of a new generation of multirole European helicopters. They respond to a growing market demand and I am confident that the will operate safely in sometimes very demanding environments”.

EASA will continue to work closely with the two manufacturers to ensure that the certified helicopters maintain the highest standards of safety throughout their entire in-service lifecycle.

Note to editors:

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the centerpiece of the European Union’s strategy for aviation safety. Our mission is to promote and achieve the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs more than 650 experts and administrators from all over Europe.

For further information

Dominique Fouda, Safety Information & Communications Officer
Tel.: + 49 (221) 89990 2007 – Fax: + 49 (221) 89990 2507 – dominique.fouda@easa.europa.eu

Ilias Maragakis, External Communications Officer
Tel.: + 49 (221) 89990 2030 – Fax: + 49 (221) 89990 2530 – ilias.maragakis@easa.europa.eu