While observing its 70th anniversary on the eve of Heli-Expo 2008, Turbomeca opened a Saturday afternoon press conference with outgoing chairman and chief executive officer Emeric d’Arcimoles introducing his soon-to-be successor, current Turbomeca executive vice president Pierre Fabre. The latter will assume leadership of the French helicopter engine manufacturer on March 31.

The engine maker also took the opportunity to honor Maverick Helicopters and Canadian Helicopters for their use of Turbomeca products. Maverick, a Las Vegas air tour operator, has logged more than 100,000 operating hours with its Arriel-powered fleet, while Canadian Helicopters is nearing completion of a five-year conversion program of 16 AS 350D AStars to AS 350B2 configuration with Arriel 1D1 turboshaft engines.