Eurocopter has purchased an 80-percent stake in the new Sabadell Helicopters Service Center (SHSC). The OEM cited the move as part of a continuing strategy of industrial expansion in Spain. SHSC will have an initial staff of 35 technicians based at its Sabadell Airport facility near Barcelona to support all civil helicopter fleets.

According to Eurocopter, there are currently more than 700 civil helicopters registered in Spain and the number has increased steadily over the last 20 years at an annual rate of five percent. With Eurocopter products accounting for 60 percent of the Spanish fleet, the OEM aims to capitalize on after-sales activities, which are expected to undergo similar growth in the medium and long term.

SHSC plans to sign ad hoc agreements with operators to provide maintenance and airworthiness activities. In addition to providing support for operators, the new company will also perform helicopter customization, modernization and retrofits.