SonAir Signs for Six Of The Helicopters, Milestone Aviation Group Picks Up Five

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp had a productive day Monday at HeliExpo in Orlando Sunday. The company signed a deal with SonAir Servico Aereo, S.A. (SonAir) for six S-76C++ helicopters, while leasing company Milestone Aviation Group picked up five.

Sikorsky S-76C++

"Sikorsky is pleased to celebrate its successful business relationship with SonAir Servico Aereo, which has been flying Sikorsky helicopters in their important offshore oil operations in Angola. As the offshore oil industry continues to highlight the value of helicopters to that mission, these aircraft will be the latest tools for the job," said Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky Global Helicopters, during a ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center, where HeliExpo is being held. "As we have continued to grow our relationship with SonAir, we are also pleased that they have chosen the S-76C++ helicopter to be the first SAR aircraft for SonAir in Angola. Sikorsky is proud to be a part of this new effort, as it extends the legacy of Sikorsky helicopters doing the critical work they were built to do," he added.

SonAir has been flying Sikorsky products for more than 15 years in support of offshore oil operations in Angola. Currently, SonAir operates five S-76C++ aircraft and four S-76C+ helicopters in that capacity. With the signing of the new contract announced Monday, SonAir will have a total of 15 Sikorsky S-76 aircraft servicing offshore oil operations in Angola.

In addition, SonAir earlier contracted for three new S-76C++ helicopters for search and rescue (SAR) operations in Angola. Those aircraft are expected to arrive in Angola this year. Once all aircraft are flying, SonAir's total Sikorsky fleet will number 18 aircraft. The S-76C++ helicopter is the current production model in the S-76 aircraft line. In addition to serving the offshore oil and SAR markets, the helicopter's multi-mission capabilities include VIP transport including head of state, emergency medical transport, and civil defense.

Another company, Milestone Aviation Group Limited, said Monday that it has scheduled deliveries of five Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters in the second half of 2011, under a firm order contract signed last December.

Sikorsky and Milestone jointly announced the deal Monday. Milestone says it is the first global finance company focused exclusively on the helicopter and private jet markets, and that it will offer these aircraft for lease to high-quality operators around the world.

"By leasing out and providing 100 percent financing that ultimately allows end users to operate our aircraft, Milestone Aviation Group has quickly become an important customer for Sikorsky. We enjoy a growing relationship mutually beneficial not only to each other but also to the end users of our aircraft. We look forward to continuing and strengthening this relationship," said Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.

"The S-76C++ is a great helicopter and a workhorse of the offshore oil and gas industry," said Richard Santulli, chairman of Milestone. "We believe there will be tremendous demand for these machines from operators all over the world. We are thrilled to work with Sikorsky to deliver their product to market."

FMI: www.sonairsarl.com/aboutSonair_en.shtml, www.milestoneaviation.com