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.

FMI: www.pwc.ca