Maverick Aviation Group, the air tour company that opened a new passenger terminal at Henderson Executive Airport last week, is expanding its helicopter fleet.
The company announced that it had ordered 10 seven-passenger EC130 T2 ECO-Star helicopters with the option to purchase 40 more. The company, the busiest air tour company operating from Las Vegas metropolitan area airports, is expected to take delivery of the first of the new helicopters by the end of the year.
The cost of the order was not disclosed.
The T2 is the newest version of the EC 130 helicopter manufactured by Dallas-based American Eurocopter, the American subsidiary of the world's largest helicopter company. The upgraded model has a more powerful engine than existing versions, improving fuel efficiency while increasing the maximum weight that can be carried.
Maverick has the largest EC130 helicopter fleet in the world, with 34. The firm order would increase the total to 44 and, if all options are exercised, it would go to 84.
The new version also has an active vibration control system for a more comfortable ride, an improved air conditioning system and other cabin and interior improvements.
"We continue to choose the EC130 ECO-Star product because it is made for the tourism industry," said Greg Rochna, chairman and CEO of Maverick Aviation Group in a statement announcing the new fleet additions.
The Scenic Airlines group, Southern Nevada's largest air tour operator with Scenic Airlines, Grand Canyon Airlines and Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopters, operates from Boulder City Municipal Airport.