Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and China Southern Airlines’  Zhuhai Helicopter Branch company held a signing ceremony today at the first China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin for the purchase of two Sikorsky S-92® and one S-76® offshore utility helicopters by Zhuhai Helicopter.  The new acquisitions are aimed at supporting the ever-expanding offshore oil operations in the South China Sea by Zhuhai’s customers.  Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

Zhuhai Helicopter Branch is among the major helicopter operators supporting offshore oil operations in China. The company has used Sikorsky helicopters since 1984 to transport oil workers for such companies as China National Offshore Oil Corp., Chevron and ExxonMobil.   Currently, Zhuhai Helicopter Branch operates the largest S-76 helicopter fleet in China and Asia, and will have 13 S-76 and three S-92 helicopters in its rotorcraft fleet when the three new aircraft are delivered.

Sikorsky Vice President Shane Eddy said, “Sikorsky and Zhuhai Helicopter have enjoyed a very strong relationship for nearly 30 years, based on the safe and reliable performance of our helicopters serving Zhuhai’s customers in the offshore oil and other market segments.  Since 2007, Zhuhai has purchased nine Sikorsky helicopters including three S-92 medium weight helicopters.  We appreciate the continued partnership with Zhuhai and will continue working together to meet the increasing needs of China’s offshore oil industry.”  Capt. LI, Jiahua, President of Zhuhai Helicopter Branch, also expressed a strong interest in continuing to work with Sikorsky for further developing the market in the years to come.