China Wants to Increase Helicopters Before Olympics

Eurocopter is predicting that the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, China, will spur demand for helicopters in that country and that demand will continue to grow in the next 20 years, according to the People’s Daily Online. Shanghai will host the World Expo in 2010, adding to the need for more helicopters. Eurocopter sees a requirement for 300 helicopters before 2015 with a large boost coming in the next year. China’s rescue and salvage bureau has emphasized the need to boost China’s search and rescue capabilities. The bureau hopes to triple its fleet to 24 aircraft by 2015. For related news