Columbia Helicopters sells and delivers Columbia Model 107-II to Daejin Air of South Korea

Columbia Helicopters has announced the sale and delivery of a Columbia Model 107-II to Daejin Air of South Korea, making Daejin Air its launch customer for the aircraft in Asia.

As part of the sale, Columbia Helicopters also provided OEM aircrew and maintenance training for Daejin Air’s pilots and mechanics at Columbia’s facility in Oregon.

The aircraft will be used primarily for firefighting, both during the day and at night with NVG operations. It will also provide heavy-lift and powerline construction support throughout South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Kyung Hwan Jung, President and Owner of Daejin Air, said: “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.

“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 22,000lb (9,979kg) 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 Michael Tremlett, President and CEO of Columbia Helicopters, Inc. “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.”