Offshore Logistics Signs for Up to 59 Sikrosky S-76 Helicopters
Offshore Logistics signed for up to 59 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters here Tuesday, one of the largest single commercial helicopter deals in Sikorsky’s history. The contract covers 35 firm orders, valued at $250 million, and 24 options. The first aircraft will be delivered later this year. A total of 20 S-76s will be handed over in 2006-07 and the rest in 2008-12.
Most of the aircraft will be the current C++ version, but the option exists to convert some later deliveries to the S-76D variant, which is available from 2008.
The helicopters will initially be used for expansion, according to Offshore Logistics CEO William Chiles. “We’re operating at maximum capacity everywhere,” says Chiles, “and most of the demand is in medium twins.” Offshore Logistics is the parent of Air Logistics and the majority shareholder in Bristow Helicopters, and — together with affiliates — operates 400 helicopters worldwide. The S-76s will be spread around the company’s operations in South America, the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and the Caspian Sea. More orders are possible as Offshore Logistics continues to replace older aircraft in its fleet, according to Chiles.
For Sikorsky, the orders are part of a resurgence in civil sales, which have expanded sixfold in the last four years, according to senior vp marketing Jeff Pino. The company has logged $600 million in civil orders this year, says Pino, and has a 60% share of the civil markets where it competes. —Bill Sweetman
