Ireland punches above its weight!

The first Irish helicopter show, held at Punchestown, near Naas south of Dublin, was an introduction to the growing Irish market. In 2003 there were 50 helicopters on the Irish register, there are now 140, plus another 70 UK or USA registered, and in the last twelve month 40 helicopters have been added to the register.

That the Irish industry was thriving was clear from the show, which although not very well attended (it was by invitation only) was thronged with people who were seriously interested in helicopters (and the buying of!) It was reported that two R44s and I Agusta had been sold on the first day alone.

Dave Scully, organiser of the show said, “things went well from a sales point of view with 7 or 8 Helicopters ordered to date and 2 sets of contracts signed on the Phenom 300. In total we had 2700 private invited guests through over the 3 days, 105 Helicopters visited and about 20 million Euros in orders were taken.”

John Pattinson of Copter Covers, one of the exhibitors, said: “We had a good show -the principal reason for going was to introduce ourselves to the Irish market and get an understanding for what people want...