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Aviation industry giant Airbus Helicopters has gained recognition throughout its decades-long existence , earning its position as a global leader in the sector . A division of Airbus , the industry powerhouse in aeronautics , space and related services , Airbus Helicopters is renowned for its dominant market share outside the USA and increasingly for its spearheading of sustainable technology and operations . With a presence spanning over 150 countries , Airbus ’ helicopters are a lifeline for those who serve , protect , and save lives , while remaining the trusted choice for safely carrying passengers in demanding environments . From civil and government operations to military , law enforcement , and public service , the company offers the full spectrum of rotary-wing aircraft solutions . Lenny Brown , Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK , provides a comprehensive account of the company ’ s journey and evolution in the UK .
Support solutions
First established in 1974 as McAlpine Helicopters , the company became Eurocopter when Airbus fully acquired that company in 2007 and was renamed Airbus Helicopters UK in 2014 . Its headquarters and primary facility are based at Oxford Airport eight miles north of the city . Lenny relates : “ About two-thirds of our workforce , which comprises 450 talented individuals in total , is here at Oxford with most of the remainder at RAF Shawbury , where they support the UK ’ s Military Flying Training System ( MFTS ). That role involves training the country ’ s military rotary-wing pilots and crew members on our helicopters . Additionally , we have an adjunct of the MFTS based at RAF Valley , where they focus on search and rescue training , and small units within the Police Service of Northern Ireland and a logistics department supporting the oil and gas industry on their H175 helicopters in Aberdeen .”
The final element of the workforce is an engineering detachment at RAF Benson supporting the RAF ’ s Airbus Puma HC2
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