Singapore would appear an ideal venue for Sikorsky to discuss the S-76 helicopter. The US manufacturer says it is investigating a large number of sales opportunities with Asian operators. Sikorsky delivered two S-76C+ aircraft to corporate customers in South Korea and Japan during 2003 and will deliver two more executive models this year in Korea.
China's ministry of communications already operates two S-76C+ helicopters in a search and rescue (SAR) role and may take extra machines. The S-76C+ is now in service in India with charter operators in the offshore oil support market and Sikorsky says the aircraft is also being offered for passenger transport and VIP missions.
Thailand and Vietnam are also looking to increase their fleets of helicopters and in Australia, CHC has been named as the preferred tenderer to replace five S-76 helicopters currently completing SAR missions for the Royal Australian Air Force under a lease programme.
Sikorsky is waiting for the green light for the aircraft, which would be purchased by CHC and leased for 10 years.
Source: Flight Daily News