Helittoral Helicopteres, a family company located in Perpignan, south of France, has been busy flying its AS350 SD2, reckoned to be the only AS350 in France equipped with a Honeywell engine rather than Safran. The company has frequented the south of France and the Pyrenees for passenger transport and lifting work.

“Our company is very active in the French Pyrenees mountains for aerial work: construction with concrete and materials transport, telecom pylon assembly and technician transport,” notes commercial manager Dorian Tissier. “At the end of the year we'll receive two new helicopters: an AS350B3+ equipped for lifting work and firefighting, and a Robinson R44 for our new helicopter flying school. The arrival of a new helicopter like the AS350B3 will allow us to meet increasing demands in Pyrenees for lifting work. We want to develop the firefighting activity in our region, which is subject to drought and fire each summer; we collaborate with a Spanish partner to create new means of fighting fires.

“VIP transport has also been developed in our region, which is rich in wine land and luxury tourism establishments, so we offer flights to gourmet establishments, castles and other fabulous places.” Tissier says that, in the south of France, there are few helicopter flight schools, only fixed wing. “That's why the new flying school will train pilots for our company missions or for the job market. We are very pleased with the work done as one of the last family and human-sized helicopter companies in France.”

In order to become a major company in France in firefighting, aerial work and passenger transport, Helittoral is seeking international partners.