Increases Deliveries in Light-Twin Helicopter Sector
At the HAI Expo's
opening, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. said it expects
deliveries of PW200 and PT6 turboshaft engines to increase by 30
percent this year thanks to the company's exceptionally strong
showing in helicopter competitions in 2003. The company claims
PW200 engines are being selected by a large majority of operators
to power their new light-twin helicopters. From December 2003 to
February 2004, PW200 engines were selected on 47 new light-twin
helicopters. P&WC's PT6B/C/T engine models also chalked up
significant wins in 2003, powering the Agusta A119 Koala, Agusta
Bell AB139 and Bell 412 helicopters.
"The PW200 engine family is continuing to increase its share of
the light-twin helicopter market," said Alain M. Bellemare,
President, P&WC. "In the past few years, PW200 engines have
powered approximately 70% of new deliveries in the sector and we
now expect this market share to increase even further this year
fuelled by our recent successes."
Mr. Bellemare noted that demand for helicopters is expected to
continue to grow in 2004 and 2005 worldwide in the para-military,
law enforcement, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and corporate
sectors. A new generation of medium-twins will make a significant
impact in offshore exploration. Furthermore, the military
turboshaft market is poised for substantial growth. "We remain very
well positioned in all of these market sectors with our broad range
of turboshaft engines," said Mr. Bellemare.
To date, P&WC has
delivered more than 9,000 turboshaft engines for 4,250 helicopters
in operation around the world. Its success in the market has been
driven by superior engine performance, low operating costs and an
unparalleled customer support network.
"We are dedicated to providing total customer support," said
Keyvan Fard, Vice President, Regional Airline and Turboshaft
Engines, P&WC. "Our worldwide network of local field
representatives and our Service Centre Network fits the needs of
helicopter customers very well, enabling us to provide services
directly to operators wherever they are located.
"P&WC also provides operators with the option of
'one-stop-shop' maintenance facilities through its Service Centre
Network. Line and heavy maintenance is available at P&WC
facilities on six continents with full overhaul facilities located
in Southampton, U.K. and St. Hubert, Quebec, Canada for the PT6T
series, and in Ludwigsfelde, Germany and St. Hubert, for the PW200
series. Full back shop capabilities are also available for the
repair of components and the repair and overhaul of accessories for
all turboshaft models.
The PW200 series powers the Agusta 109E Power, the Bell 427
twin, the Eurocopter EC135 P2, the MD902 Explorer, and the Kazan
Ansat. Proven on the Bell 412 twin, the PT6 is the turboshaft of
choice for the Agusta A119 Koala, a new single that's proving
popular with law enforcement agencies. The PT6 turboshaft is also
proving successful with the AB139, as well as with Asian
applications. Pro Pilot said the survey provides an accurate
snapshot of the current state of rotary-wing power and the level of
engine/airframe integration from a user perspective.