Sikorsky Teams With Mann Aviation Group (Engineering) Ltd (MAGE) to provide S-76(R) Helicopter Customer Support

DUXFORD, England, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and MAGE today signed an agreement establishing MAGE as a Customer Support Center for Sikorsky's highly successful S-76(R) helicopter line. The agreement, signed at the Helitech 2007 exhibition in Duxford, provides enhanced maintenance and spare parts availability for Sikorsky customers while increasing the service capability of the company's newly established Sikorsky Europe operations. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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MAGE is based at Fairoaks Airport near Woking in Surrey, U.K., and occupies more than 150,000 square feet of hangar and other work space. The company performs technical support, maintenance, avionic upgrades, extensive customization and other services for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft for a global customer base.

"The S-76 helicopter is experiencing unprecedented sales growth, with nearly 700 delivered already and 4.2 million combined fleet flight hours. It has become the aircraft of choice for some of the world's largest helicopter offshore operators, while holding solid positions in the corporate and VIP transport sectors," said David Adler, Sikorsky Senior Vice President for Worldwide Customer Service. "Supporting our customers is the priority, and we are pleased to have MAGE join our support team."

"Having maintained and modified a range of Sikorsky products over a number of years, MAGE is delighted to receive Sikorsky's recognition of its capability by becoming a Customer Service Center and part of Sikorsky's expanding European network," said Roger Luscombe, MAGE Managing Director.

The agreement adds another customer support component to the growing Sikorsky Europe operation, which also includes the newly acquired PZL Mielec aircraft producer in Poland and a longtime sourcing relationship with AERO Vodochody in the Czech Republic to build S-76 helicopter cabins. Sikorsky is continuing to explore additional opportunities to expand production capacity and the supply base as part of the company's ongoing efforts to establish a global presence, said Bruce McKinney, Vice President, Sikorsky Europe.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing 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(TM)." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.