China’s Ministry of Transport has placed orders for two EC225 helicopters from Eurocopter to be used by the China Rescue and Salvage (CRS) Bureau.

The twin-engine EC225 SuperPuma helicopter can fly 24 passengers at a speed of 175kt and has search and rescue capabilities.

CRS director general Captain Song Jiahui said that CRS has successfully completed several successful operations with the EC225 helicopters over the last two years and it is very pleased with their performance.

“We are convinced that this new acquisition will help us to better meet the demands of a professional maritime rescue team and protect the safety of our people during times of natural catastrophes,” Jiahui said.

The two helicopters will add to the transport ministry’s existing fleet of ten helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft.

Eurocopter presently holds a 40% market share in the Chinese civil helicopters market.

The EC225s will be delivered in 2011.