JINGDEZHEN, China, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
and AVIC today celebrated completion of the first S-76C++(TM) civil helicopter
airframe produced in China. The airframe is the first to be built under an
agreement between Sikorsky and Changhe Aircraft. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of
United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
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The airframe will be delivered to the Sikorsky Global Helicopters facility in
Coatesville, Penn., USA, for customization. Additional airframes are scheduled
to be delivered in 2010.
"This delivery meets a key milestone in executing on international
collaborations creating the culture and relationships for long term success,"
said John Bishop, Sikorsky Vice President, Strategic Sourcing. "The region has
a strong need for helicopters, and as we establish the S-76 helicopter
manufacturing presence here, we are proud to celebrate this first delivery. It
is a true sign of the strength of this business relationship and the positive
path we are on for the future."
In 2006, Sikorsky reinforced its manufacturing base in China when it signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with China Aviation Industry Corp. II (AVIC II,
now AVIC), parent company of Changhe. The agreement laid the foundation for a
business relationship between the two companies that has led to the production
of the S-76 civil helicopter airframes from Changhe's facility southwest of
Shanghai.
Changhe is a supplier for Sikorsky's three largest commercial helicopter
programs. Changhe also manufactures tail pylons for Sikorsky's S-92®
helicopter, and supplies airframe components and assemblies Sikorsky's
Schweizer 300CBi(TM) aircraft, which are used worldwide for pilot training,
transportation, aerial photography, airborne patrol and many other purposes.
The S-76® helicopter series by Sikorsky Aircraft has long been the aircraft of
choice for Fortune 100 companies and offshore oil support operations. Since
its initial certification in 1978, Sikorsky has delivered more than 725 S-76
helicopters and accumulated more than 5.1 million flight hours with 220+
operators in 59 countries.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in
helicopter design, manufacture and service. 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.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future
business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not
limited to changes in economic conditions; changes in government procurement
priorities and practices or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges
in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies;
as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those
detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and
Exchange Commission filings.
