Frank Robinson's Vision Achieves incredible Milestone

Robinson Helicopter Company reached another milestone this month with the delivery of its 5,000th helicopter. Since delivering the first R22 in October 1979, Robinson Helicopter Company has produced 3,489 R22 and 1,511 R44 helicopters, including 171 R44 Raven IIs. The 5,000th helicopter, an R44 Raven II, was shipped to National Airways Corporation (NAC) of Lanseria, South Africa.

NAC became a Robinson dealership in 1990. The 57-year-old corporation is the largest general aviation company in South Africa, and one of the largest in all of Africa with offices in 7 cities. In addition to selling and maintaining Robinson helicopters, NAC offers helicopter and fixed-wing sales; maintenance and refurbishment; aircraft parts and avionics sales and support; charter; and pilot training. The recent delivery is NAC’s 75th Robinson helicopter.

Demand for Robinson helicopters continues to grow. In response, the company is increasing its workforce to 850 employees, an additional 150 production workers since April. The factory now produces 9.5 helicopters a week and is building toward an 11 helicopter-per-week goal by the end of October.

To meet long-term growth, Robinson has begun construction on an additional facility, which will nearly double its manufacturing capacity. The company broke ground in July on the new 215,000 sq. ft. building located adjacent to the current factory. In addition to increased production facilities, an expanded delivery center and training facility will also be located in the new building. Once completed, the new building will allow Robinson to meet increased production goals and reduce delivery time on new aircraft and spare parts.

Robinson Helicopter Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com