Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mexican helicopter service provider ASESA (Aeroservicios Especializados, S.A. de C.V.) to jointly explore assembly and service opportunities in support of Black Hawk helicopters.
"This agreement will establish a working relationship with ASESA in preparation for expected growth in Mexico, which could include helicopter assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul work,” said Steve Estill, Sikorsky Vice President for Mexico.
The Mexican Air Force, the Mexican Navy and Federal Police currently operate 21 UH-60L and UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft acquired since the mid 1990s. Fifteen of those aircraft have been acquired since 2007. Sikorsky expects the Federal Police to take delivery of another two UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft in early 2012. In September 2011, the State of Jalisco acquired an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, the first state government in Mexico to acquire the newest variant.
"We have a strong interest in Sikorsky products both as it relates to our off shore oil transport business as well as our aircraft services businesses,” said Humberto Lobo, president of ASESA. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with one of the best-known helicopter manufacturing companies in the world. This action improves and enhances the program to develop the Mexican Aeronautical Industry as a strategic provider of products and services with a world class company.”
ASESA, a subsidiary of Grupo Lomex, is a leading helicopter services operator for the oil and gas Industry in Mexico and South America. ASESA has experience with numerous helicopter models and has accumulated more than 470,000 flight hours and a strong tradition as provider of maintenance services for helicopters in Mexico. The company operates three maintenance centers based in Monterrey, Mexico City, and Ciudad del Carmen, which cover all Mexican territory.
Brazil
Brazilian helicopter operator Lider Aviacao has signed a contract to buy three Sikorsky S-92 helicopters. Lider will operate the aircraft predominantly to serve the growing Petrobras demand for large rotorcraft capable of transporting workers to offshore oil and gas platforms.
The three new aircraft will join Lider's existing fleet of four S-92 helicopters and 42 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters.
“This purchase will enable Lider to carry more workers to rigs deployed beyond 200 nautical miles from shore,” said Bob Kokorda, Sikorsky Sales and Marketing Vice President.
With a current maximum gross weight of 26,500 pounds, the S-92 helicopter is one of the largest in its heavy offshore class. Its cabin is easily capable of carrying 19 passengers and their luggage. Since entering service in September 2004, the S-92 fleet has grown to more than 150 aircraft. Helicopter transport companies serving the offshore oil and gas industry operate approximately 60 percent of the fleet, and currently account for 90 percent of the fleet's 380,000 total flight hours.
Sikorsky will begin deliveries of Lider's new S-92 aircraft in 2012.
Based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Lider Aviacao is the largest executive aviation company and helicopter operator in Latin America, with over 2,000 employees, 26 Fixed Base Operations and a fleet of 92 aircraft.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is based in Stratford, Conn.
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