Eurocopter has delivered the first of the two EC225 helicopters to the Vietnamese Southern Service Flight Company (SSFC).

SSFC operations director Captain Le Trong Dong said the EC225s will strengthen the company’s existing helicopter fleet and support it in intensifying its activity in the booming oil and gas market in Vietnam.

The long-range twin-engine helicopter of the Super Puma helicopter family is used for offshore operations and can fly 175kts with a maximum take-off weight of 24.251lb.

The second EC225 is scheduled for delivery by end of 2009.