Aerial Power Lines (APL), a multi-service helicopter operator in Malaysia, chose the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition to announce an order for two Airbus H135s (formerly EC135s) for emergency medical services (EMS) duty. APL also has options for six more of the rotorcraft, and options on two H175s for other business needs. As evidence by its name, APL provides power-line monitoring (its parent company is Sarawak Cable) and utility work. At the signing, Airbus Helicopters v-p of sales for the Southeast Asia/Pacific region Fabrice Rochereau said, “APL’s decision to provide [EMS] service for the people of Malaysia is highly commendable, and we are committed to support them in its successful deployment.”

APL currently operates an H135 and H125 (formerly AS350 B3e), and is expected to receive a heavier-lift H225 in the middle of this year. The two existing rotorcraft were used for relief missions during the Malaysian floods last December, delivering 16 tons of food and water to the remote areas of Kelantan. In a separate deal signed at LIMA, APL will provide 3-D digital mapping services in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia.