Ten percent of total production is exported to Latin American countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
[6] Brazil has been a major market for the AS350; by 2011 more than 300 helicopters were reportedly operating throughout the country, including from the flight deck of the Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo.
[9] In January 2011, Helibras signed a contract with the Brazilian Army to substantially upgrade and refurbish their existing fleet of 36 AS350 Ecureuils.
[11] Changes on the Panther K2 include new Turbomeca Arriel 2C2CG engines which produce 40% more power, a glass cockpit containing new avionics and radio systems, a four-axis autopilot, a new weather radar, NVG-compatibility, and measures to reduce pilot workload, and shall extend the airframe's service life for a further 25 years.
[13] In September 2014, the Panther K2 passed its technical operation evaluation, having reportedly demonstrated a 98% availability rating throughout the trial period, clearing the way for the full modernisation program to proceed.
[12] During September 2008, the Brazilian Government announced that Helibras' factory in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, would produce an initial 50 Eurocopter EC725s under a $1 billion order.