SonAir takes delivery of Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters
SonAir fleet will grow to 18 helicopters by end of 2011
Sikorsky Aircraft has announced the baseline delivery of six S-76C++ helicopters to SonAir Servico Aereo S.A. (SonAir) for support of offshore oil operations in Angola.
SonAir has been flying Sikorsky for more than 15 years. Currently, SonAir owns 15 S-76 aircraft for offshore oil missions in Angola and has contracted for three new S-76C++ helicopters for search and rescue (SAR) operations. Those aircraft are expected to arrive in Angola later this year, bringing SonAir’s total Sikorsky fleet to 18 aircraft.
“The S-76 helicopter has continued to demonstrate exceptional performance in responding to the most critical market requirements,” said Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky Global Helicopters. “The aircraft delivers quiet comfort, spacious cabin interiors, enhanced safety and reliability, operating cost efficiencies, and superior mission versatility, which is why -customers like SonAir continue to fly it.”
“Reliability and safety are key priorities in the operation of our fleet, and the S-76C++ helicopter has maintained high marks in these categories,” said Joao Andrade, chief executive officer of Sonair, a subsidiary of Sonangol (National Oil Company) for air transportation, supporting the oil industry in Angola.
