EC135For more than 50 years, Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) has been at the forefront of rotorcraft innovation.

MBB Helicopter Canada Limited (Airbus Helicopter Canada Limited’s original name) was founded in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1984.

It was the fruit of a successful negotiation between Airbus Helicopters Canada’s predecessor – MBB Helicopters, Fleet Aerospace and the Canadian and Ontario governments, who wanted to create a domestic helicopter industry.

Starting with a five-year government contract that included domestic sales of the Bo105 and BK117 and “world product mandate” to assemble and modify the light twin-engine Bo105 LS helicopter, MBB Helicopter Canada Limited soon made a name for itself in the Canadian aerospace market.

Re-named Eurocopter Canada Limited in 1992, Airbus Helicopters Canada’s helicopter portfolio expanded as a result of the merger of the rotorcraft divisions of Aerospatiale (France) and Deutsche Aerospace (Germany) to create the Eurocopter Group.

In addition to gaining the sales and support responsibility for the Aerospatiale product line, Airbus Helicopters Canada conducted extensive engineering research and development work on the Bo105 and EC135 helicopters with the support of the Canadian government from 1993 to 1996.

In 2014, the EADS group was rebranded as “Airbus”. Uniting all its activities under a single and strong brand, Eurocopter became Airbus Helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters Canada is a Canadian success story, with nearly 700 helicopters in service with 200 operators across the country.

1958

  • 1958The first Sud Aviation SE313 Alouette II helicopter is delivered to a Canadian customer. It is Canada’s first turbine-powered helicopter.

1984

  • 1984Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, a German aerospace company that developed the legendary Bo105 light twin-engine helicopter was invited by the Canadian and Ontario governments to set up a facility at Fort Erie, Ontario.

1985-1990

  • 1985-1990A German aerospace company that developed the legendary Bo105 light twin-engine helicopter was invited by the Canadian and Ontario governments to set up a facility at Fort Erie, Ontario.

1992

  • Branding ChangeRe-named Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) following the merger of the helicopter divisions of Aerospatiale (France) and Deutsche Aerospace (Germany). The merge saw the Aerospatiale helicopter portfolio added to the ECL product mandate.

2008

  • 2008Expansion of Fort Erie, Ontario & Richmond, British Columbia facilities.

2009

  • Eurocopter 25th Anniversary25th anniversary year in Canada. Over 50% market share in new aircraft deliveries since last 10 years. Turnover of over C$ 90 million.

2010

  • 2010Delivery of the 600th Eurocopter Helicopter into the Canadian market.

2011

  • 2011Over 600 aircraft and 170 customers supported.
  • Employ 200 people in hightech skills based jobs.

2014

  • Airbus LogoThe rebranding of Eurocopter as Airbus Helicopters, effective January 2014, marks a new era in the history of the company. The company will also be celebrating 30 years in Canada.

2017

  • Airbus Logo HistoryIn 2017, all Airbus Helicopters entities are rebranded under Airbus. Worldwide the name of the whole company is Airbus.

2018

  • Canada’s first H145 is delivered to the Royal Canadian
    2018 H145 Rcmp Delivery

2019

  • Airbus Helicopters Canada marks 35 years of service in Canada. 2019 35th Anniversary

2020

  • Airbus’ new five-bladed H145 receives TCCA, EASA and FAA certifications. 2020 Five Bladed H145 Receives Tcca, Ease And Faa Certifications

2021

  • 100th Shipset for the H225 is produced at Airbus Helicopters Canada. 2021 100th Shipset H225

  • Airbus Helicopters Canada delivers the first five-bladed H145 helicopter in North America to STARS Air Ambulance.

2022

  • Airbus Helicopters Canada delivers the first H225 Air Intake shipset since2022 H225 Air Intake Delivery receiving the work package from France.