Sikorsky, WZL1 To Establish Black Hawk Helicopter MRO In Poland

Sikorsky Aerospace Services and PZL Mielec ( manufacturer of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in Poland) announced today they have signed a Letter of Intent with Poland’s principal maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze NR 1 S.A. (WZL 1). The agreement relates to a Polish Government decision to procure up to 26 S-70i multi-role helicopters made in Mielec for the Polish armed forces. SAS is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation. The Letter of Intent also addresses the proposal to establish a regional MRO center in Poland to support other Black Hawk operators. “As a leading MRO provider with expertise supporting the Polish armed forces, WZL 1 is well established to provide in-country support for the Black Hawk helicopter,” said Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice President of Sales and Strategic Relationships. “We are also excited that WZL 1 could also serve as a central base for regional support of our Black Hawk fleet. This year, the Polish Ministry of Defence is expected to release a tender for multi-role helicopters followed by a contract award in late 2013. Sikorsky will offer the Polish-built S-70i aircraft, a customizable variant of the Black Hawk helicopter flown by militaries in 25 countries". “The potential production of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in Mielec for the Polish Armed Forces brings an opportunity to grow the entire Polish aviation industry,” said Janusz Zakrecki, President of PZL Mielec. “To work with WZL 1 will be a positive move as we seek to expand our network of partners, and develop local suppliers”.