Middle East operators are asking Sikorsky whether it plans to expand its Sikorsky Shares helicopter fractional ownership programme to include the region.
"We've been talking to them, but the bottom line is that the programme has to prove itself in the New York area before we can commit to international expansions," says Charles Weeks, marketing manager, international business.
Plans are already in place to take Sikorsky Shares to California and Florida next year and wholly-owned subsidiary Associated Aircraft Group, which handles day-to-day operations, is looking to secure more customers in the North East United States.
Two core S-76Bs were delivered to AAG in September but the aim is to use S-76C+ aircraft long-term.
Sikorsky has developed a system whereby customers buy flight units, paying for the distance travelled in set zones. A quarter share in an S-76C+ will cost $2 million, including 290 flight units, with top-up units available.
Source: Flight Daily News
