SonAir Signs for Six Of The Helicopters, Milestone Aviation
Group Picks Up Five
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp had a productive day Monday at HeliExpo
in Orlando Sunday. The company signed a deal with SonAir Servico
Aereo, S.A. (SonAir) for six S-76C++ helicopters, while leasing
company Milestone Aviation Group picked up five.
Sikorsky S-76C++
"Sikorsky is pleased to celebrate its successful business
relationship with SonAir Servico Aereo, which has been flying
Sikorsky helicopters in their important offshore oil operations in
Angola. As the offshore oil industry continues to highlight the
value of helicopters to that mission, these aircraft will be the
latest tools for the job," said Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky
Global Helicopters, during a ceremony at the Orange County
Convention Center, where HeliExpo is being held. "As we have
continued to grow our relationship with SonAir, we are also pleased
that they have chosen the S-76C++ helicopter to be the first SAR
aircraft for SonAir in Angola. Sikorsky is proud to be a part of
this new effort, as it extends the legacy of Sikorsky helicopters
doing the critical work they were built to do," he added.
SonAir has been flying Sikorsky products for more than 15 years
in support of offshore oil operations in Angola. Currently, SonAir
operates five S-76C++ aircraft and four S-76C+ helicopters in that
capacity. With the signing of the new contract announced Monday,
SonAir will have a total of 15 Sikorsky S-76 aircraft servicing
offshore oil operations in Angola.
In addition, SonAir earlier contracted for three new S-76C++
helicopters for search and rescue (SAR) operations in Angola. Those
aircraft are expected to arrive in Angola this year. Once all
aircraft are flying, SonAir's total Sikorsky fleet will number 18
aircraft. The S-76C++ helicopter is the current production model in
the S-76 aircraft line. In addition to serving the offshore oil and
SAR markets, the helicopter's multi-mission capabilities include
VIP transport including head of state, emergency medical transport,
and civil defense.
Another company, Milestone Aviation Group Limited, said Monday
that it has scheduled deliveries of five Sikorsky S-76C++
helicopters in the second half of 2011, under a firm order contract
signed last December.
Sikorsky and Milestone jointly announced the deal Monday.
Milestone says it is the first global finance company focused
exclusively on the helicopter and private jet markets, and that it
will offer these aircraft for lease to high-quality operators
around the world.
"By leasing out and providing 100 percent financing that
ultimately allows end users to operate our aircraft, Milestone
Aviation Group has quickly become an important customer for
Sikorsky. We enjoy a growing relationship mutually beneficial not
only to each other but also to the end users of our aircraft. We
look forward to continuing and strengthening this relationship,"
said Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.
"The S-76C++ is a great helicopter and a workhorse of the
offshore oil and gas industry," said Richard Santulli, chairman of
Milestone. "We believe there will be tremendous demand for these
machines from operators all over the world. We are thrilled to work
with Sikorsky to deliver their product to market."