Heli Union Selects S-76C++ Helicopter for Offshore Oil Missions

Released on Wednesday, July 16, 2008

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 14, 2008 � Heli Union will expand its fleet with the purchase of two S-76C++™ helicopters for use in offshore oil missions, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Heli Union announced today at the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The aircraft are expected to be delivered by the third quarter of 2010 to support Heli Union's operations around the world. Heli Union also will expand its Powertrain Assurance Program and Total Assurance Program service agreement with the Sikorsky subsidiary, Helicopter Support, Inc. (HSI), to include the two new aircraft.

"We are delighted that Heli Union has selected the S-76C++ helicopter for its growing offshore transportation requirements," said Sikorsky Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Stephen B. Estill. "We hope that Heli Union will continue to look to Sikorsky for aircraft and maintenance support as they grow their fleet."

The cooperation between Sikorsky and Heli Union developed as Sikorsky was upgrading from the S-76A™ aircraft to the S-76-A+™ and S-76 A++™ models with Turbomeca Arriel engines.

"Heli Union's feedback was instrumental in the development of our S-76-A+ model aircraft with Turbomeca Arriel engines," Estill said. "Sikorsky greatly values our relationships with customers like Heli Union," he added.

The S-76C++ helicopter, which first entered service in 2005, includes a powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, a new Health and Usage Monitoring System, and a quiet main gearbox utilizing Quiet Zone™ technology that will significantly reduce interior noise levels without any weight, maintenance or Time Between Overhaul penalties.