ERA orders S92
Era Aviation signs deposit for three S-92 helicopters
STRATFORD, Conn., Aug. 1, 2001 - Era Aviation Inc. and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation today announced that Era intends to purchase three S-92 helicopters. Acquisition of the new aircraft would make Era the S-92 Gulf of Mexico launch customer.
Era, which provides offshore services, as well as support for forestry, construction, mining and other industries, has requested the first S-92 production slots available in 2003, according to the deposit agreement. The aircraft would serve large oil companies from bases along the Gulf.
"We look forward to Era becoming a Gulf launch customer for the S-92," said Tommy Thomason, Sikorsky's Vice President of Civil Programs. "Era, like Sikorsky, is a pioneer in the field, providing helicopter support in often-challenging climates for more than 50 years.”
In operation for five decades, Era is the world's oldest continuously serving helicopter operator. It has U.S. operations in Anchorage, Alaska; Reno, Nev.; Lake Charles, La., and various bases along the Gulf Coast. Era’s fleet includes Sikorsky S-76A++ and S-61N helicopters.
Cougar Helicopter, an offshore oil operator based in eastern Canada, has signed a deposit agreement for the delivery of the first S-92, with options for up to four more. Similar agreements that anticipate the placement of S-92 aircraft have been signed by Helijet, of Vancouver, British Columbia; Aircontactgruppen AS, of Norway and Copterline of Finland.
The Sikorsky S-92 is evolved from the proven S-70 BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK aircraft and incorporates more than 50 years of Sikorsky civil and military multi-mission experience. Available in a 19-passenger commercial, a 22-troop utility and a multitude of mission specific configurations, the design offers stand-up cabin flexibility, rapid convertibility, operational suitability and a full cabin-width rear ramp.
The S-92 provides the best combination of payload, range, speed, cabin size and operating costs in its size class. It will be the first helicopter fully certified to the harmonized FAA, JAA Part 29 requirements. The combination of this certification basis and the evolution from a military helicopter results in a comprehensive set of safety features which includes a crashworthy design to achieve maximum survivability.
Era has three major operating bases in the United States. Its Alaska division, and corporate headquarters, is located in Anchorage. Lake Charles, Louisiana, is headquarters for Era's Gulf Coast division and Reno, Nevada, is home for Era's West Coast operation. Era has operated in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China, providing offshore support to oil companies. During the past 5 years, Era Helicopters has operated off Sakhalin Island, Russia, Thailand, Greece, the Balkans, Italy and Argentina. Era Aviation is a subsidiary of Rowan Companies, Inc., (NYSE:RDC), of Houston, Texas.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), of Hartford, Conn., which provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.