Sometimes an understanding means the potential for sales, and sometimes it is the beginning of something much, much broader. That was the case when Portland, Ore.-based Erickson and Airbus Helicopters came together yesterday at Heli-Expo 2014 to sign an MOU to explore new opportunities between the two companies. This comes on the heels of two acquisitions in 2013 by Erickson, namely Evergreen Helicopters and Air Amazonia.

Specifically the MOU states that the two companies will explore Airbus Helicopters supporting the Erickson fleet; optimization of Airbus Helicopters within the Erickson fleet; expansion into multinational or NGO markets; and industrial partnerships that might include expansion of Erickson’s MRO, manufacturing and engineering capabilities such that they could support Airbus equipment.

“We currently have more than 20 Airbus Helicopters in our fleet, and more than 30 years’ experience flying them,” said Udo Rieder, president and CEO of Erickson. “We’re excited to be broadening our relationship with the world’s largest OEM.”