CPAD logs 10,000th flight hours with its Eurocopter EC135 fleet

• The Czech Police Aviation Department was the first law enforcement organization in Eastern Europe to select Eurocopter helicopters for this type of mission

(Prague, Czech Republic, June 30, 2010) -- The Czech Police Aviation Department (CPAD) is celebrating two key milestones this month: its 75th year of service, and the 10,000th flight hour logged by the department's Eurocopter EC135 helicopter fleet.

With the CPAD's broad operational responsibilities - which range from aerial surveillance and emergency medical airlift to firefighting and search & rescue - its eight EC135s have demonstrated their flexibility in performing police and parapublic missions since entering service with the department in 2004.

"The Czech Police Aviation Department was the first law enforcement organization in Eastern Europe to select Eurocopter helicopters for this type of mission. We are particularly proud to recognize the agency - with whom we have established a true partnership - as it celebrates these two important milestones," said Olivier Michalon, Eurocopter Vice President Eastern-Mediterranean Europe & Central Asia.

Eurocopter has established a close industrial relationship in the Czech Republic since 2003, which includes contracting the in-country production of components that include hardware for Ecureuil helicopters and doors for Airbus jetliners. This work is assigned to both large and small Czech companies, supporting the country's industrial growth and contributing to the development of its economy.

In addition to the CPAD's eight EC135s, the agency also operates two Eurocopter BO-105 helicopters as part of its rotary-wing aircraft fleet.

Source : Eurocopter, an EADS N.V. company (Paris: EAD.PA)