CM International Financial Leasing said it will acquire 100 Airbus Helicopters Ecureuil-series rotorcraft over five years, with the initial order of 10 units to be delivered in 2016.

CMIFL plans to offer these light single-engine helicopters to operators complete with financing solutions, paving the way for easier and faster development of China’s burgeoning general aviation sector.

“The relaxation of low-altitude airspace regulations in China signals exciting times ahead as helicopters are in need to accelerate infrastructural development and provide for society demands including medical airlift services and passenger transport,” said Wang Rong, CMIFL chairman & president. “CMIFL endeavors to provide leasing solutions and financial packages to ease the process of acquiring helicopters to meet these needs.”

Announced today at the China Heli-Expo held in Tianjin, the agreement for H125 and H130 Ecureuil versions provides a framework for CMIFL to become the first rotorcraft leasing company in China. CMIFL has an equivalent capital of 1 billion euros, and is a subsidiary of China Minsheng Investment, with interests in the financing of aviation sector projects.

“This agreement augurs well for Chinese operators who will benefit from new financial leasing solutions and potential customers now have a viable and low-risk solution to launch or expand their commercial rotorcraft operations,” said Norbert Ducrot, president of Airbus Helicopters China. “It is a significant achievement for our team in China, as they are dedicated to always look for solutions to adapt to our customers’ needs.”

Created in December 2006, Airbus Helicopters China is the local based customer center of Airbus Helicopters, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products. In China, Airbus Helicopters has a market share of 40%.