This Sikorsky S-76D helicopter will become the first to see service in Africa, operated by Titan Helicopter Group. Sikorsky Photo
Titan Helicopter Group (THG) has accepted delivery of the first Sikorsky S-76D helicopter that will operate in Africa. The aircraft is configured for offshore service. An acceptance ceremony was held on Dec. 17 at Associated Aircraft Group (AAG), a Sikorsky company based in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
The S-76D helicopter that THG will operate will be on lease from Milestone Aviation Group. Milestone has 86 Sikorsky aircraft in its fleet with 55 S-92 helicopters and 31 S-76 aircraft including four S-76D helicopters.
“The S-76D helicopter has quickly spread to various markets around the world, and Africa is another key region with many potential customers,” said Ed Beyer, vice president of Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services. “It’s always a pleasure to work with Titan as well as Milestone Aviation, and we can’t wait to see how the S-76D will elevate their business.”
Titan Helicopter Group (THG) was established in 1993 and is headquartered in South Africa. Its fleet currently features Sikorsky S-76 A++, S-76C and S-76C+ helicopters as well as the S-61N aircraft.
“The S-76D is the medium-sized aircraft of choice for various offshore customers in Africa, and THG is excited to be the first operator to introduce the aircraft on the continent,” said Jide Adebayo, COO of Titan Helicopter Group.
“We are proud to commence a partnership with Titan Helicopter Group and help this long-standing S-76 operator expand its fleet and capabilities with the S-76D,” said Robert Thor Dranitzke, managing director of Milestone Aviation Group. “We believe that Titan and the S-76D will achieve great success on the African continent.”
Sikorsky has delivered more than 800 S-76 helicopters to customers globally since 1979, contributing daily to a growing 6.5-million-plus fleet flight hours total.
