Sikorsky Aircraft has been basking in a fair amount of attention at Heli-Expo 2009... and giving some back, as well. As the event closed, they recognized Helijet International Inc. for achieving an accident-free 140,000 fleet hour milestone with its S-76A helicopters.

Helijet reached the milestone on Feb. 15, 2009. The company has used Sikorsky helicopters for more than 20 years, with Sikorsky delivering the first S-76A helicopter to Helijet in 1987. Helijet currently operates five S-76A (file photo, below) and one S-61 aircraft along with several other helicopters and Learjet aircraft.

"The fact that they have logged such a tremendous number of flight hours safely is a great testament to the durability and attention to safety that everyone in the industry sees in our products today," said Carey Bond, Sikorsky Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "We commemorate this remarkable achievement and salute the total professionalism of Helijet's aircrews and maintenance staff. We are proud that Helijet is flying our product." 

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every time." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Helijet International Inc., a Canadian-owned company, is North America's largest scheduled helicopter airline and a major provider of air ambulance services as well as numerous charter operations in the tourism and recreational markets, all within the Province of British Columbia.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com