Sikorsky plans to establish an office in Malaysia, taking the first step toward expanding its industry presence in Southeast Asia. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

“Malaysia is centrally located in ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asia Nations), with one of the strongest aerospace markets in region. Opening an office in Malaysia allows Sikorsky to be best located to support all of its Southeast Asia customers, and we look forward to the new opportunities to grow our relationships in the region,” said Linda Scott, General Manager for the Southeast Asia office.

The announcement coincides with the current global tour of the S-92^® Legacy of Heroes helicopter, which has been visiting countries in Asia since December to recognize first responders to natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies around the world. The tour visited Malaysia for 2 ½ weeks in December, where the S-92^® Legacy of Heroes helicopter was on display at the LIMA Air Show. The Legacy pilots and crew members participated in events in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur, and presented service awards to members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

During the tour, Sikorsky is promoting its family of products, including the H-92â„¢ helicopter, the military version of the commercial S-92 aircraft. The Legacy helicopter will be on static display this week at the Singapore Air Show. The Legacy of Heroes tour began last September in North America and will head to India later this month.

“ASEAN has always been an important market for Sikorsky and the aerospace industry at large,” said Christophe Nurit, Sikorsky Vice President of Sales, Asia. “Sikorsky aircraft have been serving ASEAN fleets since the 1960’s, providing a breadth of military and commercial mission support. Our products carry a legacy of safety and reliability that are a solid foundation on which to further grow our relationships in Southeast Asia.”

Sikorsky Aircraft secured a contract with the Brunei Ministry of Defence in December 2011 to provide 12 S-70iâ„¢ BLACK HAWK helicopters, as well as associated spare parts, training and ground support equipment. The helicopters will serve the Royal Brunei Armed forces, and join the growing fleet of Sikorsky aircraft in the region.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., U.S.A., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., U.S.A., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.