Eurocopter (Booth 7050) has received orders from China’s State Grid General Aviation Co. (SGGAC) for two AS350 B3e AStars and one EC225 . They will be used not only to support the country’s electric grid development but also for other airlift missions. “The SGGAC is growing its helicopter fleet and capabilities,” said general manager Zou Ben Guo.

The B3e light singles, equipped with air conditioning and an electric hoist for loads up to 440 pounds, are to be be delivered late this year. The SGGAC has been operating two B3es since 2012. A B3 had earlier established an altitude record for power line support operations, at 17,500 feet, for the Qinghai-Tibet AC-DC interconnection project plateau line.

Handover of the EC225 medium twin is scheduled for 2015. Its missions will include utility and emergency rescue. The SGGAC said it also is expanding into passenger and freight transportation.