China Southern Airlines’ Zhuhai Helicopter Company this week accepted two Sikorsky S-76C++(TM) helicopters to support offshore oil projects in the South China Sea and Bohai Bay. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) .
The acceptance follows a trend of civil aircraft sales into the region for Sikorsky. Last month, Sikorsky signed an agreement with the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of China’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) for four S-76C++ helicopters to enhance the MOT’s maritime and search and rescue capabilities, bringing the fleet’s total to eight and making it one of the largest operators of Sikorsky S-76(R) SAR helicopters in the world.
“Sikorsky Aircraft has been busy in China for the past few years,” said Scott Pierce, Vice President, Sikorsky Asia. “In early 2007, we delivered the first S-92(R) helicopter to China, and soon afterwards, sold another S-92 helicopter in the region. Following that, Sikorsky experienced unprecedented growth in China with the sale of six S-76C++ helicopters. The trend is sound evidence of the popularity of Sikorsky products among Chinese customers, and is strong affirmation of our strategy for this region.”
Two of the three licensed offshore oil helicopter operators in China fly Sikorsky helicopters. In addition, two multibillion-dollar Chinese private enterprises have chosen the S-76 C++ helicopter as their corporate aircraft, making the S-76C++ helicopter the first VVIP helicopter of intermediate class introduced into China.
Sikorsky has further invested in the region through a collaboration with Aviation Industry of China (AVIC), which is producing civil S-76 and S-300 airframes and parts. AVIC also has invested in Shanghai Sikorsky, Sikorsky’s joint venture in China.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company’s long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: “We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every time(TM).” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
