Sikorsky sells S76C++ VVIP helicopter to Indian company

US-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technology Corporation, has re-entered the Indian market with the delivery of its first commercial S-76C++ VVIP helicopter to an unidentified Mumbai based corporate.

Photo: Sikorsky S76C++ helicopter; Pic courtesy JPGMAG.COM

The company plans to deliver two other state-of-the-art S-76C++ helicopter (delivered in a VVIP configuration), by the end of April 2009, to undisclosed recipients.

Sikorsky aims at make India the aerospace hub centre of its South Asia operations in order to expand its network. In 2008, the company had announced its plans to enter a joint venture with the Tata Group to manufacture helicopters cabins in India.

“We are glad to announce our re-entry into the Indian skies with the delivery of the first S-76C++ VVIP helicopter. This delivery takes us to the next stage of our engagement with the country,” Sikorsky Managing Director for India and South Asia A J S Walia said.

“The delivery reinforces Sikorsky’s intentions toward India, which holds very high significance in our global expansion plans as an aerospace hub centre for the entire South Asia market” Walia added.

Sikorsky has been looking forward to doing business with the Indain corporate sector, and is optimistic about pulling off some good deals with Indian companies.

Out of the estimated 25,000 helicopters manufactured globally, 200 are being used by India. Around 15 helicopters out of the 200 are used for non-scheduled segment, and about 50 are used for the purpose of oil exploration and production. They are mainly concentrated on the east and west coast.

The largest oil producing field in India, the Mumbai high, is located in the west coast and its makes use of about 40 helicopter services.

The Sikorsky S-76 helicopter series has a good market in the offshore oil support operations. Since 1978, Sikorsky has delivered more than 700 S-76 helicopters. In 2008, it the company sold four S-76 helicopters in India.

In February 2009, there were reports that Sikorsky has Sikorsky had placed two bids for the Indian Navy’s $1 billion Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) program.