S-92

Aerial services provider Avincis has taken delivery of its first Sikorsky S-92 helicopter.

The delivery is part of the firm order placed by Avincis in December 2011 for 16 S-92 aircraft.

The first four S-92s of the order are being financed by Milestone Aviation.

Avincis chief executive officer James Drummond said that the new S-92 was an important addition to the company’s fleet.

"The size and diversity of our fleet, together with our absolute commitment to safety and quality, means we are equipped to save lives, protect the environment and provide energy services across the world," Drummond said.

The new fleet of helicopters will be used to provide transportation for offshore oil and gas workers and perform search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.

"The size and diversity of our fleet, together with our absolute commitment to safety and quality, means we are equipped to save lives, protect the environment and provide energy services across the world."

Deliveries of the remaining aircraft will take place over the next three years.

Avincis currently operates a fleet of some 350 rotary and 50 fixed-wing aircraft from 295 bases in ten countries globally.

Featuring five flotation devices, two auto-deployable life rafts, satellite flight following communications, and a main rotor blade ice protection system, the S-92 also incorporates equipment and systems required for North Sea operations conforming to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.

Around 47 S-92 aircraft configured for offshore transport and SAR missions are in service with operators in five North Sea region countries.

In 2011, the Aerial services provider transported more than 180,000 people across the North Sea, conducted some 3,900 SAR and 36,000 air ambulance missions, rescued more than 7,000 from life-threatening situations and flew approximately 8,800 fire-fighting missions.


Image: Sikorsky S-92 helicopter is capable of performing offshore oil and gas and SAR operations. Photo: file image.

Defence Technology