Era Group has signed a multi-year deal with Sikorsky Global Helicopters to buy four S92 heavy helicopters for nearly $129m.

Deliveries of the aircraft under the deal are scheduled to be delivered beginning in the first quarter of 2016.

In addition, Era has an option to purchase five further S92 helicopters.

Era CEO Sten Gustafson said: "The S92 provides further diversification for deepwater oil and gas missions for our operating and contract-leasing customers around the world."

"The S92 provides further diversification for deepwater oil and gas missions for our operating and contract-leasing customers around the world."

Sikorsky’s S92 helicopter is equipped with several safety features, including a flaw-tolerant design.

It was certified to harmonised Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Agency and Transport Canada Part 29 requirements.

Sikorsky Global Helicopters President Carey Bond said: "We’re thrilled Era continues to grow its fleet with Sikorsky aircraft, and we want to express our appreciation to Era for the trust and confidence they have in our helicopters."

Era’s helicopters are mainly used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore installations, drilling rigs and platforms.

As well as servicing its US customers, the company also provides helicopters and related services to third-party helicopter operators and customers in other countries, including Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and Uruguay.

Defence Technology