Petroleum Helicopters (PHI) has ordered two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters for offshore support operations in the Gulf of Mexico. PHI will receive the first production S-92 in March next year, followed by the first of four on order for Norwegian offshore operator Norsk Helikopter. Sikorsky says negotiations continue with Canada's Cougar Helicopters, which announced a launch commitment for five S-92s in February 2000.
The two S-92s will enter service with Lafayette, Louisiana-based PHI next year in 19-seat offshore transport configuration. Sikorsky has also sold three VIP-configured S-92s for delivery in 2004 to corporate customers. The company says commercial sales of another 30 helicopters are in various stages of negotiation.
Sikorsky received US certification for the S-92 late last year, and flight testing is continuing to complete post-certification work, including de-icing approval, before commercial deliveries begin.
Source: Flight International
