First Production Sikorsky S-92 Heads to Work

First Production Sikorsky S-92 Heads to Work
Latest Generation Helicopter to Fly the Gulf for PHI 


STRATFORD, Conn., Sept. 23  /PRNewswire/ -- The first production Sikorsky S-92
helicopter is expected this weekend at its new home base in Lafayette, La.,
where it will open up a new age of offshore service on the Gulf of Mexico with
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI).

"The S-92 is a revolutionary aircraft, the most technologically advanced and
safest helicopter in the world.  We are pleased with the S-92 because of its
advanced safety features, range, payload, cabin size and cost effectiveness,"
said Al A. Gonsoulin, chairman, president and CEO of PHI.

A second S-92 for PHI is nearing delivery early next month.  S-92 completion
will increase through the end of 2004, with decreasing intervals between
deliveries.  The plan is to deliver 18 aircraft in 2005.  Sikorsky has orders,
including options, for 60 S-92 helicopters.

"We are delivering this aircraft to a high-usage customer that will be flying
the aircraft in demanding offshore missions in the Gulf of Mexico," said
Sikorsky President Steve Finger.  "Under these conditions, this S-92, and the
one we deliver in a few weeks, will build up flight hours of operation at an
incredible rate."

Sikorsky has been selected by the Government of Canada to provide 28 H-92
maritime helicopters, military derivatives of the S-92.  Sikorsky is also
offering a version of the H-92 in the competition for the next-generation
helicopter to serve the White House mission.

PHI (Nasdaq: PHEL; PHELK) provides helicopter transportation and related
services to a broad range of customers.  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. 

DATASOURCE: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation



CONTACT:  Bill Tuttle of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, [phone],

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