Eurocopter expects sales to boom in Asia

The world's top helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter said today it expects revenue to boom in the Asian countries including India on the back of strong economic growth in the region. Philippe Harache, Senior Executive Vice President of Eurocopter Group, said sales in Asia accounted for about 25 per cent of the group's total revenue of 4 billion euros in 2005. "Asia for the next 5-10 years will certainly become a huge market for Eurocopter," said Harache said, adding that there is a replacement market for old helicopters and the upgrading of helicopters by the armed forces in many Asian countries. "We are actually targeting a larger figure for the next few years as there is a large potential in India, Malaysia and China," Harache said.

Harache was speaking after Eurocopter Malaysia launched its regional maintenance facility located near Port Klang, the country's largest port west of the capital Kuala Lumpur. The company's Malaysian operation has delivered more than 39 aircraft since beginning operations in 2002. In 2005, it recorded a revenue of 273 million ringgit (USD 74.8 million) from 64 million ringgit in 2004, Harache said. The 40-million ringgit facility provides maintenance, repair and overhaul service for helicopters around the world. Eurocopter Group is a wholly-owned division of European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS).

visit us @ http://www.silkrouteholidays.com