Delivery Marks First Helo Of Type To Operate In The Country

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has delivered the first S-92 helicopter to China. Eastern General Aviation Corporation (EGAC), a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines Group, recently accepted the aircraft along with two S-76 C++ helicopters.

The delivery distinguishes EGAC as the first customer to operate the S-92 in China. The helicopters will be used for offshore oil operations as part of EGAC's plans to expand its business with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and ConocoPhillips China, Inc., a joint venture with CNOOC. The aircraft are upgrades for EGAC's current fleet of three S-76A++ aircraft, according to Sikorsky.

Located in Tianjin in northern China, EGAC is the second-largest commercial customer of Sikorsky Aircraft in China. It provides helicopter service to offshore oil companies operating in the Bohai Bay area, a region in China that is experiencing oil industry market growth. 

"China is important to us as both a market and supplier base, including for S-92 tail pylons. The aircraft's entry into the domestic market is particularly gratifying and appropriate," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino. "We expect the S-92 will become an important part of China's growing oil industry."

The three aircraft were ferried to Tianjin by an Antonov 124 cargo aircraft. In-country flight training with a Sikorsky instructor has been successfully completed and the S-92 is scheduled to begin contract service with CNOOC and ConocoPhilips on August 1. Avion Pacific Ltd., China sales representative for Sikorsky Aircraft, is conducting flight training for the S-76C++ in country with an estimated completion date of August 15.

"The introduction of the S-92 marks the milestone of EGAC entering into heavy machines operations and we are very happy with our selection," said EGAC President Li Jianmin.

Captain Ma Qin, EGAC's Chief Pilot of EGAC, said, "The S-92 is a superb machine, the best I have ever flown in my career. We are excited to be flying it."

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.ce-air.com