Sikorsky and Ruili Jingcheng Group (RJG) at Airshow China today announced the signing of two contracts for the introduction of one S-92® helicopter and one S-76D™ helicopter, marking Sikorsky’s first S-92 helicopter sale to a private Chinese operator and the first ever Sikorsky S-76D helicopter sale into China. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Both aircraft will be configured for airline use.

“Today’s announcement signals a major milestone for Sikorsky’s business development in China,” said Ed Beyer, Vice President, Sikorsky Global Helicopters. “We are truly feeling the warmth of the fast-growing helicopter market here as more S-76 and S-92 helicopters keep flying into China. We are even more pleased that our newest customer here has chosen Sikorsky because of the popularity of our products in this market and the high reputation we have built over the past 30 years.”

“As China continues to embrace Sikorsky products, we recognize that this is the kind of product acceptance we typically receive in more mature markets elsewhere in the world, and Sikorsky looks forward to continuing its relationship with these customers for many years to come,” Beyer said.

Ruili Jingcheng Group, a private conglomerate based in Ruili, Yunnan province in southwestern China, is expanding its business into the aviation sector by establishing three aviation subsidiaries, including a helicopter operating company. RJG will be the newest Chinese commercial customer for Sikorsky, and will be the first operator in China of the Sikorsky S-76D helicopter, the newest S-76® helicopter model. The S-76D was granted type certification by the FAA on Oct. 12.

Sikorsky has been highly successful in China for the past decade. Currently, there are 31 S-76 and four S-92 helicopters of various configurations flying in China. On China’s intermediate market segment (7,000 to 15,000 lbs gross weight), the S-76 occupies more than 40 percent (the highest) of the segment. The S-92 helicopter continues to gain in popularity and is becoming the helicopter of choice among offshore oil companies.

Designed for safety, reliability and efficiency, the S-76D helicopter’s standard equipment features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot; health and usage monitoring system, active vibration control; and powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines. Rotor Ice Protection System for all-weather capability will be available as an option. There have been more than 800 S-76 helicopters delivered to the global fleet since 1979, contributing daily to a growing 6 million-plus flight hours.

S-92 helicopters perform search and rescue (SAR) missions as well as a variety of transportation missions for VIPs including Heads of State, offshore oil and gas crews, utility and airline passengers. The worldwide fleet of 151 S-92 helicopters has accumulated nearly 400,000 flight hours since deliveries began in 2004. The S-92 helicopter was certified to FAA/EASA harmonized Part 29 requirements, as amended through Amendment 47. The S-92 helicopter remains the only aircraft to have been certified to this rigorous airworthiness standard without exception or waiver.

Sikorsky, 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.