A massive 50% boost in sales has been recorded by Sikorsky Global Helicopters at the start of 2010, compared with the same period in 2009.

The firm has seen a revival in interest for S-300CTM and S-300CBiTM helicopters, according to a Sikorsky statement.

The helicopter manufacturer has been receiving fleet orders for flight training, patrol, agricultural and wildlife work and other diverse operations in the US and around the world.

Sikorsky has also received orders from colleges such as the University of North Dakota that are expanding their current rotary fleet or diversifying their aviation programmes to include rotary training.

Emerging international markets are also adding to the sales with ten civil helicopters on order with Shanghai Sikorsky and two orders each from South Africa’s North East Helicopters and Brazil’s EDRA Aeronáutica.