Aurora, Oregon: FEBRUARY 22, 2023 – Columbia Helicopters, the world’s leading heavy-lift helicopter OEM, MRO, and operator, is pleased to announce it has sold and delivered a Columbia Model 107-II to Daejin Air of South Korea, making Daejin Air Columbia’s launch customer for the aircraft in Asia. As a 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. Daejin Air was founded in 2004, and in 2015 the company received its first 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,” says 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,” says 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.”
ABOUT COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS
Columbia Helicopters is the global leader in heavy-lift helicopter operations and a trusted expert in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Backed by over 65 years of experience, Columbia operates internationally, often conducting operations in remote, austere conditions, providing safe and reliable aircraft and qualified personnel that meet demanding global transport requirements. Columbia leverages its position as the OEM for the Model 234 and the Model 107-II, and the FAA Type Certificate holder of the CH-47D Chinook, to provide responsive modifications, lifecycle support, and MRO services trusted worldwide by a diverse customer base. For more information, please visit www.colheli.com.
