Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced at the Dubai Air Show that Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) has contracted to purchase two Sikorsky S-76D™  Helicopters, with options to purchase two more, becoming the worldwide launch customer for the new aircraft.

 

 

 

FAS is based in Abu Dhabi and provides a wide array of Helicopter and Jet services, ranging from aerial tours to offshore oil and gas transport and corporate jet charter.  

The S-76D helicopters are scheduled for delivery to FAS starting in 2011. The aircraft will be configured for VIP corporate, helitaxi, and offshore oil and gas support missions.  The S-76D helicopters will become the first Sikorsky aircraft in the FAS fleet, which currently numbers 21 helicopters and five corporate jets.

“We are thrilled to become part of the FAS fleet and to have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the S-76D helicopter to excel in the Middle East environment,” said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters and Chief Marketing Officer.  “This multi-mission helicopter represents the very latest in the long and highly successful line of S-76® aircraft.”       

 “FAS continues to expand its fleet and adapt its services to meet the dynamic needs of the regional aviation market,” said His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Chairman of Falcon Aviation Services. “We are confident that this latest variant of the S76 helicopter family will deliver the performance, comfort and operating economics enabling FAS to continue providing the highest level of aviation services that establish benchmark standards in terms of safety, quality and customer service.”