Sikorsky Aerospace Services and VIHAG Announce Agreement for S-92(R) Helicopter Gearbox Repair and Overhaul

ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sikorsky Aerospace Services, at Heli-Expo today announced the signing of an agreement with VIH Aviation Group (VIHAG) to authorize VIHAG’s ability to repair and overhaul S-92® helicopter gearboxes. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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“This agreement will allow VIHAG to increase its capability and knowledge of the S-92 aircraft. It enables us to work together to develop innovative and efficient maintenance solutions that will lead to increased cost savings,� said Samir Mehta, President, Helicopter Support, Inc. (HSI), a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company. “We are excited to strengthen our longstanding relationship with VIHAG.�

Ken Norie, President & CEO, VIH Aviation Group Ltd., said: “I rely on Sikorsky Aerospace Services and HSI to provide the highest levels of support -- anywhere in the world. Sikorsky Aerospace Services and HSI are continually focused on improvement and innovation to their helicopters and support programs. I look forward to many more years of mutual growth and success.�

Sikorsky Aerospace Services has provided logistics, spares and technical support since VIH/Cougar became one of the first operators of the S-92 helicopter in May of 2005. VIHAG currently operates six S-92 helicopters and has four additional S-92 deliveries scheduled in the next year.

The VIH Aviation Group of companies has operations in Canada, the U.S. and other countries ranging from Taiwan to Peru. VIHAG is Canada’s oldest privately owned helicopter business, and includes several helicopter operating companies as well as an aviation technical services company and regional fixed base operator companies. VIHAG subsidiary Cougar Helicopters is an acknowledged leader in all-weather, instrument flight rules (IFR) Offshore and IFR Search and Rescue services; while VIH also operates a fleet of visual flight rules (VFR) helicopters in a variety of tasks, including specialized helicopter services such as aerial crane construction, heli-logging, disaster relief, exploration, forestry and personnel transport.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing aircraft around the world. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of support services through its aftermarket companies, Derco Aerospace, Inc., Helicopter Support, Inc., Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Composite Technology, Inc., and Sikorsky Helitech.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. The company’s mission statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: “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.