Helicopter transportation company Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. took delivery of the first production Sikorsky S-92 Monday in a somewhat pyrotechnic public ceremony at Heli-Expo. The delivery marks the first of two S-92 aircraft slated to enter service with PHI in 2004 to support deepwater drilling and production activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

"The S-92 represents the latest technology in terms of design and safety," said Lance Bospflug, PHI President and CEO.  "This combined with its payload, speed and range capabilities makes it an excellent choice for PHI and for our customers."

PHI signed an agreement in August 2003 to purchase two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, Sikorsky's newest aircraft in the medium-lift helicopter market.  The company has utilized every commercial helicopter that Sikorsky has produced, from the S-55 in the early 1960s to the S-92 today.

Sales of the S-92 are heating up in two of the world's leading oil producing regions, the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, as well as in the North American corporate market, attesting to the aircraft's versatility and confidence in Sikorsky.

"PHI is one of the world's top commercial helicopter operators, and one of our most valued customers," said Jeff Pino, Sikorsky's senior vice president for marketing and commercial programs. "We are thrilled to see PHI lead the fleet by introducing the S-92 into the Gulf of Mexico."  

FMI: www.sikorsky.com