Sikorsky is to acquire helicopter completions and support company Keystone Ranger Holdings, continuing the drive to build its aftermarket business. The privately held Pennsylvania-based holding company is the parent of completion and customization specialist Keystone Helicopters and Composite Technology (CTI), which overhauls rotor blades and structures.
The acquisition will help Sikorsky with a planned doubling of helicopter production over the next three years, says Jeff Pino, senior vice-president corporate strategy, marketing and commercial programs. "Keeping the aftermarket at 50% of revenues is our stated goal. As we grow to $4 billion by 2008, the aftermarket has to keep up."
Customization of commercial helicopters will be moved out of Sikorsky's Stratford, Connecticut manufacturing plant. "When the work increases within a fixed area, you have to do things differently," says Pino. "We have to set up Stratford to produce the same aircraft every time one goes down the line. Customizing does not make sense."
Based in West Chester and Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Keystone already completes the majority of Sikorsky's commercial helicopters, plus aircraft for AgustaWestland, Bell, Eurocopter and MD Helicopters. The company also designs and produces customization kits, while its Flight Services division operates a fleet of air medical helicopters at hospital bases in the eastern USA.
Meanwhile CTI, based in Grand Prairie, Texas, will be brought under Sikorsky's Helicopter Support (HSI) parts distribution and component overhaul subsidiary.
Source: Flight Daily News
