Sikorsky Sales in China Continue to Grow

STRATFORD, Conn. --- China Southern Airlines' Zhuhai Helicopter Company this week accepted two Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters to support offshore oil projects in the South China Sea and Bohai Bay. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.>> 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 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 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.