Airbus Helicopters is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopters, offering the most comprehensive lineup of civilian and military helicopters in the world. A division of Airbus, Airbus Helicopters employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. Its fleet in service includes nearly 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers across 150 countries. Worldwide, the company maintains a 45-percent market share in the civil and parapublic markets. Airbus Helicopters Inc., the U.S. affiliate, has been serving customers for 50 years, having opened its main facilities in 1969 in Grand Prairie, Texas. It also operates a production line in Columbus, Mississippi. More than 1,000 skilled and dedicated employees support some 800 customers and more than 2,600 aircraft in service in the region. Airbus Helicopters has a North American market share of more than 70% and holds a leading position in nearly all of the largest market segments by providing a diverse selection of versatile and high-performance aircraft suited to perform customers’ demanding missions. Airbus also provides world-class training, aftermarket support and technical assistance for customers throughout the region.