ppheli,
Been a while since I left there but it makes sense that they need to replace the two lost last year and I think the AS350BB was a special production run.
Maybe taking a while as they need to move the throttle onto the collective and converting aircraft isn't something they do every day.
But all this is an aside to the sad fact that two aviators lost their lives and two families are mourning the loss of loved ones.
RIP both and condolences to the families.
FNW