Sikorsky plans to add a second S-76C+ helicopter to its Sikorsky Shares fractional ownership program early next year, according to civil programs VP Tommy Thomason.

The fractional program, operated by Sikorsky subsidiary Associated Aircraft Group (the premier charter helicopter provider in the New York metropolitan area), began just four months ago with a single S-76C+. Since then another two S-76Bs have been added as backup to guarantee commitments to customers can be met. The program is the only helicopter fractional ownership plan offered directly by a leading helicopter manufacturer.

ikorsky has based its pricing on "flight units" rather than charging for flight hours. A flight unit is a trip within a defined area, such as a trip within New York City which will use up one flight unit. Flying to different locations will require more flight units. The number of flight units required is dependent on the distance being traveled.

"The fractional ownership plan is proving very popular," Thomason told Show News. Not all the shares in the first helicopter, however, have yet been sold.

Buyers of a 25% stake in a S-76 receive 290 flight units, with a set cost for additional units. Flight unit costs cover aircraft, pilots, maintenance, fuel, scheduling and dispatch.

The arrangement is currently available only in the northeastern U.S. It will eventually be available throughout the country.