China certificates the Sikorsky S-76D helicopter

Sikorsky S-76D

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a type certificate for the Sikorsky S-76D helicopter.

Sikorsky S-76D

Sikorsky is now able to begin deliveries of the new S-76D helicopter to China, having received certification from the CAAC.

The announcement was made at ABACE 2014 in Shanghai. The S-76D is the latest S-76 model to be validated by CAAC having been preceded by the S-76A and S-76C helicopters.

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Yunnan Jingcheng Group will be the first company in China to take delivery of an S-76D helicopter. The company already flies an S-92 helicopter used for transporting corporate and government VIPs.

Jingcheng should receive their first S-76D later this month. In September 2013, a second S-92 aircraft was purchased with delivery expected in November 2015.

Ryan McFeaters, general manager, Sikorsky Aircraft – China, says: “We are thrilled to have the S-76D certified by the CAAC. This certification helps expand our presence in a strategically important region with many potential S-76D customers.”

“We are also glad to continue working with Jingcheng, an important Sikorsky customer, and look forward to hearing of their successes with this aircraft,” McFeaters adds.

In September 2013, Sikorsky Aircraft and Changhe Aircraft Industries signed an agreement for Changhe to produce S-76D commercial helicopter cabins for Sikorsky.