Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies with operations around the globe, has purchased three AgustaWestland AW139 twin-engine helicopters powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s (P&WC’s) PT6C-67C engines and signed a long-term Eagle Service™ Silver Plan (ESP®) contract. The announcement was made today at Heli-Expo 2011, which is being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., from March 5 to 8. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.

“We have offices and R&D centres around the world, so the mobility of our people is of critical importance,” said Brad Cohen, Director of Maintenance, Pfizer. “In the course of upgrading our fleet of corporate helicopters, we looked specifically to the AgustaWestland AW139 aircraft because they use Pratt & Whitney Canada engines. The reliability of our corporate helicopter fleet is extremely important to us, and the P&WC PT6 family of engines’ long-standing reputation for durable and reliable service was a key selling factor. We place the same emphasis on reliability when it comes to the maintenance of our aircraft engines. P&WC’s ESP® program offers us predictable engine maintenance costs with OEM technical expertise and quality parts.”

“We are delighted with Pfizer’s choice and view the company as a dedicated customer of our PT6C-67C engines,” said Raffaele Virgili, Vice President, Customer Service, P&WC. “We are playing an increasingly important role in the helicopter industry around the world and have developed solid relationships with leading OEMs in the market. We offer a product line that is broad, targeted and tailored. In the last eight years alone, we have seen a threefold increase in the number of helicopter engines delivered annually.”

P&WC customer service

P&WC is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of its ESP® plan this year, with more than 1,000 operators and 3,000 engines enjoying the benefits of membership.

The Eagle Service™ Plan is a compelling choice for operators the world over. It offers P&WC engine operators a complete range of maintenance coverage depending on the level selected: Gold, Silver, Gold Lite or Silver Lite. Basic coverage includes parts and shop labour for scheduled engine overhaul/refurbishment and hot section inspection; basic unscheduled engine and accessory maintenance; and required product support improvements at shop visits. Other benefits include rental engine support for covered events, engine condition trend monitoring and a labour allowance for troubleshooting, among others.

In addition to the most advanced engine technology available, Pratt & Whitney Canada brings world-class customer service backed by a worldwide network of more than 100 field support representatives (FSRs), distribution centres in key locations around the world and more than 80 mobile repair technicians; a broad pool of rental and exchange engines; a customized Fleet Management Program (FMP®) and Eagle Service™ Plan (ESP); comprehensive warranty coverage; as well as an extensive Customer Service Network with more than 30 facilities around the world.

P&WC and the helicopter industry

Since the 1970s, P&WC has produced more than 12,000 engines for the helicopter market, accumulating more than 43 million flying hours. The company has certified 31 models for more than 25 applications and engines destined for the helicopter industry.

We continue to make significant investment in our market-leading PW200 and PT6 turboshaft families of engines. Our outlook remains strong and we continue to direct our R&D investments toward customer-driven initiatives that target outstanding performance and reliability, optimal power-to-weight ratio, fuel burn, operating economics and environmental performance.

Come see us at Heli-Expo: Booth 421, Orange County Convention Center

Interested operators are invited to drop by P&WC’s booth (421) to speak with a customer service representative.

About Pratt & Whitney Canada

Founded in 1928, and a global leader in aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Canada is shaping the future of business aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Every second, a Pratt & Whitney Canada-powered aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world. Pratt & Whitney Canada’s engines, with more than 500 million hours in the air, are the industry benchmark for innovative design, dispatch reliability, operating economics and easy maintenance. Pratt & Whitney Canada is firmly committed to ensuring that its products are designed, produced and operated while minimizing environmental impacts throughout their life cycle.

There are currently more than 47,000 engines in service on over 25,000 aircraft operated by some 10,000 operators in 198 countries. The most extensive support network in the industry, which includes more than 30 company-owned and designated service facilities, supports this global fleet.

P&WC has been taking front-line services to the next level ever since it launched its Customer First Centre (CFirst) in 2007. CFirst brings together a multidisciplinary and multilingual support team to resolve issues so that customers can return to service quickly. CFirst handles more than 100,000 contacts every year.

Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE: UTX). UTC is a diversified company providing high-technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.