Sikorsky Offered Assistance in New York; Others Give Aid

Many companies reacted to news of the terrorist attack with offers of aid and financial assistance for the victims.

First off the ground with material help was Sikorsky. Eight helicopters from the Sikorsky Stratford flight field swarmed to the New York area in the uncertain, tumultuous hours after the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center.

The aircraft made the 55-mile flight from Connecticut carrying medical supplies, medical personnel, and a number of emergency response workers.

A company S-76 chase aircraft flew to the area that morning at the request of the Post Authority of New York and New Jersey. Seven UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters launched in the early afternoon. One aircraft brought a trauma team and medical supplies from the AmeriCares relief agency to Wall Street Heliport, where the team set up a triage area. Other Black Hawk aircraft brought additional Sikorsky firefighters, as well as firefighters and emergency medical technicians from several Connecticut communities. Pilots and aircrew from the Defense Contract Management Agency and Sikorsky and teamed up to fly the relief missions.

Numerous flight departments and manufacturers, including Cessna, offered aircraft and crews, even though all non-essential aircraft were grounded due to security concerns for several days following the national emergency.

Aerospace companies making financial contributions included:

ExxonMobil Corp. and its employees: up to $20 million for disaster relief;

General Electric: $10 million to assist victims;

EADS, owner of Airbus and Eurocopter: $2 million to support victims and their families;

Northrop Grumman: $1 million for relief efforts.