More Than 900 Watch Sikorsky S-76 Flight Demos

They build airframes for it... and last week, workers in the Czech Republic were able to see firsthand flight demonstrations of Sikorsky's S-76 helicopter.

Representatives with the helomaker tell ANN the flight demonstrations were conducted at the Vodochody private international airport at Aero Vodochody a.s. The demos coincided with the kick-off of the 42nd Annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, taking place June 29-July 7.

Aero has manufactured S-76 airframes since 2000, completing its 157th airframe last week.

More than 900 Aero employees were given the opportunity to view the S-76 in flight as part of the weekend-long program to showcase the aircraft. In addition, 12 Aero employees were randomly selected to fly in the S-76 for brief demo flights.

"The S-76 helicopter is the aircraft of choice for corporate and VIP operators as well as for some of the world's largest helicopter offshore operators," said Bruce McKinney, Vice President, Sikorsky Europe. "The demonstration flights for potential customers in the Czech Republic is a proud moment for Sikorsky and Aero employees, who together produce this popular and proven aircraft."

McKinney said the S-76 demonstrations in Prague also highlight Sikorsky's growing presence in Europe that includes the recent acquisition of PZL Mielec in Poland, where the company plans to produce the International Black Hawk helicopter, for delivery throughout the region.

As ANN reported, Sikorsky announced at the recent Paris Air Show the company is actively exploring business opportunities for European partners for component manufacturing and service centers for the entire Sikorsky product line.

"Sikorsky looks forward to the opportunities to build on the foundation established through the work that is done at Aero, as we expand into the European region," McKinney said.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.aero.cz