Eurocopter, Hermès Partner on EC 135

Eurocopter and the world-renowned house of Hermès revealed their “l’Hélicoptère par Hermès,” an EC 135 with a decidedly upscale interior. The project began after officials from both companies met at EBACE in Geneva in May 2005, held discussions for six months and decided to cooperate on a joint project that culminated in the special edition of the EC 135 on display at the NBAA show. According to American Eurocopter CEO Marc Paganini, the l’Hélicoptère par Hermès needs a separate certification because of numerous changes it incorporates, the most visible of which is the redesign of the skids to make cabin access easier. Certification is expected by next summer, and Eurocopter plans to use the helicopter that was on display at NBAA’07 for demonstration purposes before selling it. First delivery to a customer is expected next October.