China orders 123 Airbus helicopters

, July 8: Three Chinese general

operators on Monday signed deals with

for purchasing 123 helicopters for general aviation purposes.

The contracts were signed with Fujian Xinmei General Aviation Co. (GAC), Guangdong Baiyun GAC and Yunnan Fengxiang GAC, Xinhua quoted Airbus Helicopters, the global helicopter manufacturing and support company, as saying in a statement.

"The total fleet of 123 helicopters comprises mainly light single-engine helicopters from Airbus Helicopters' Ecureuil family, as well as the light twin-engine EC135."

Fujian Xinmei bought 55 units, with five to be delivered this year and the remaining 50 over the next six years. Guangdong Baiyun placed an order for 50, while Yunnan Fengxiang purchased 18, it added.

They will be used for utility work, aerial tours, passenger transport, business aviation, emergency medical services and search and rescue.

IANS