Greece Contract Extension for Erickson

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 02, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce a two-year service contract extension with the NSPA (NATO Support & Procurement Agency) and the Hellenic Fire Department (HFD) in Athens, Greece for aerial firefighting services.

“We are privileged to support NATO and the Hellenic Fire Department for the protection of people, property and natural resources of Greece,” said Vice President of Commercial Aviation Services, Andy Mills. “This extension represents the 18th continuous season that the Hellenic Fire Brigade has employed Erickson for our unique firefighting capability.  We appreciate the continued vote of confidence.”

The contract extension, commencing in May of 2016, is the continuation of a contract signed by Erickson in May 2012; previously managed by the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA). The extension will mark five years of Erickson’s contracted work in co-operation with NATO. An additional option year is also included in the new extension.

The contract requires three S64 Aircranes to perform aerial fire suppression in support of the HFD and includes a scope of work to protect all regions of mainland Greece and its outer islands from the threat of wildfire.

“The Erickson fleet and crew are especially suited for accessing the steep mountainous terrain, remote villages and islands of Greece,” said Mills. “The Erickson S64 has proven to be a reliable and effective tool in combatting wildfires. It is exceptionally capable of handling extremely hot weather and high winds encountered during the summer months in the Mediterranean.”

The S-64 Aircrane helicopter, powered by twin jet engines, is a highly specialized, heavy-lift helicopter capable of carrying up to 20,000 pounds. The helicopter offers a versatile platform which can be equipped for multiple utility purposes. Often adapted with a snorkel and 2,600 gallon tank, the Aircrane is used to fight wildfires all over the world. Increasingly, the helicopter is contracted by oil and gas, telecom and other companies to construct vital infrastructure. Erickson holds the type certificate for the S-64 and currently has 20 in its commercial fleet.

About Erickson

Erickson is a leading global provider of aviation services and operates, maintains and manufactures utility aircraft to safely transport and place people and cargo around the world.  The Company is self-reliant, multifaceted and operates in remote locations under challenging conditions specializing in Government Services, Manufacturing and MRO, and Commercial Services (comprised of firefighting, HVAC, power line, construction, timber harvesting, oil and gas and specialty lift). With roots dating back to 1960, Erickson operates a fleet of approximately 75 aircraft, is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA, and operates in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Australia. For more information, please visit our new website at www.ericksonaviation.com.

This press release contains certain statements relating to future results (including, without limitation, “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “predict”), which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including certain other risks or uncertainties more fully described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in the other reports we file with the SEC from time to time, which are available at the SEC’s web site located at http://www.sec.gov. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Contact Bobby Lambrix - Media Requests (503) 505-5885, [email protected] Zachary Cotner - Investor Relations (503) 505-5804, [email protected]