Vancouver-based HeliJet International has abandoned talks with Sikorsky on acquiring the S-92, deeming it “extremely expensive” and “the wrong fit” for its business, says Rick Hill, the helicopter operator’s marketing and product development vice-president. “It just does not fit the financial model on the routes we fly,” says Hill, adding that the S-92 may re-evaluated in future.
HeliJet had been seen as a potential customer for the 19-seat S-92 since initialling an agreement in 2000 to take a single aircraft. That preliminary agreement came at the same time as a letter of intent for the S-92 from eastern Canadian offshore oil support operator Cougar Helicopters, which introduced its first S-92 in May.
Halifax-based Cougar says its S-92 will be used to transport workers and freight to the Terra Nova offshore oil production field. The company says it has fitted the aircraft with a rotor ice protection system, satellite navigation, new-generation safety advisory and warning systems and search-and-rescue equipment to prepare it.
Source: Flight International
