News
Sikorsky signs pact for six S-76D helicopters
March 7, 2013 By Carey Fredericks
March 7, 2013, Las Vegas, Nv. - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the signing of a contract with ASESA (Aeroservicios Especializados, S.A. de C.V.), a Mexican helicopter service provider, for the purchase of six S-76D helicopters to serve the offshore oil transport mission.
The sale marks the first time ASESA has purchased a Sikorsky helicopter, and the first sale of an S-76D helicopter into Mexico. It continues a sales trend of Sikorsky products into Mexico over the last five years. During that time, the fleet of Sikorsky helicopters operating in Mexico has grown from six to 29 aircraft.
“The S-76 helicopter has been a workhorse in the offshore oil industry, logging more than four million flight hours in its lifetime in offshore oil missions. The S-76D model offers even greater performance capability than its predecessors, and we are extremely proud and thrilled that ASESA has recognized this as they embark on a renewal and expansion of their helicopter fleet,” said Robert Kokorda, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Sikorsky.
“Mexico is an important market for us, as evidenced by the fleet of Sikorsky model aircraft there having grown five fold in the last five years. With PEMEX’s increasing exploration efforts in the Gulf, we expect more and more S-76D’s to be fielded there in the coming years as well,” Kokorda added.
ASESA began leasing S-76C++™ helicopters in 2011.
“We have been pleased with the performance and safety of the S-76 helicopter, and respect the Sikorsky reputation. These factors were significant in our decision to purchase the new S-76D helicopter,” said Humberto Lobo, President of ASESA. “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. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Sikorsky, one of the best-known helicopter manufacturing companies in the world.”
The S-76D helicopter is the latest in the family of popular S-76 helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky. There have been more than 800 S-76 helicopters delivered to the global fleet since 1979, contributing daily to a growing 6 million-plus flight hours.
