HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - Jan 7, 2014) - Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) (Era) is pleased to announce it has signed a multi-year agreement with Sikorsky Global Helicopters, Inc. for the purchase of four Sikorsky S92 heavy helicopters for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $129 million. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery commencing the first quarter of 2016. Era also has an option to acquire five additional S92 helicopters.
Sten Gustafson, CEO of Era, said, "Era is delighted to announce the introduction of the S92 helicopter to the Era fleet, representing a continuation of our long-standing relationship with Sikorsky and the next stage in Era's fleet development. The S92 provides further diversification for deepwater oil and gas missions for our operating and contract-leasing customers around the world."
"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," said Carey Bond, President, Sikorsky Global Helicopters.
The multi-mission S92 helicopter incorporates numerous safety features, including a flaw-tolerant design. The aircraft was certified to harmonized Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Agency and Transport Canada Part 29 requirements, as amended through Amendment 29-47, and remains the only aircraft in its class that is certified to this rigorous airworthiness standard without exception or waiver.
About Era
Era is one of the largest helicopter operators in the world and the longest serving helicopter transport operator in the U.S. In addition to servicing its U.S. customers, Era 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 United Kingdom and Uruguay. Era's helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore installations, drilling rigs and platforms.
For additional information concerning Era, contact Ryann Tadlock, Corporate Communications, at (337) 656-4141 or visit Era's website at www.eragroupinc.com.
About Sikorsky
Sikorsky Global Helicopters is the commercial aircraft business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.