Aurora-based Columbia Helicopters announced this week that it has sold and delivered one of its new Model 107-II helicopters to Daejin Air of South Korea, marking the aircraft’s official launch in Asia, according to a press release.
As a part of the sale, Columbia also provided aircrew and maintenance training for Daejin Air’s pilots and mechanics at the company’s headquarters at the Aurora State Airport in Oregon.
The aircraft will be used primarily for firefighting, both during the day and at night using night vision. It will also provide heavy-lift and power-line construction support throughout South Korea and Southeast Asia.
Daejin Air was founded in 2004, and in 2015, the company received approval for night firefighting operations, which it continues to maintain while working to further develop the aviation industry in South Korea.
“We are very pleased with the lifting power and stability of the Columbia Model 107-II helicopter and with the superior support we have received from Columbia,” said Kyung Hwan Jung, president and owner of Daejin Air.
“With the Model 107-II in our fleet, we are increasing our aerial firefighting capabilities, in addition to growing our heavy-lift construction opportunities.”
With full OEM support, the standard category Columbia Model 107-II features a 22,000-lb (9,979-kg) lifting capacity, internal and external cargo lift options, and passenger-carrying capability.
“The Columbia Model 107-II is a cost-effective, highly reliable helicopter, and we are seeing considerable demand for the aircraft,” said Columbia President and CEO Michael Tremlett.
“With the delivery of this aircraft in Asia and the delivery of another 107-II to Europe later in the spring, our OEM business is steadily expanding the global footprint of Columbia aircraft worldwide.”
