Sikorsky nips at Eurocopter’s heels

July 15, 2008
Rotorcraft

Sikorsky has claimed the number-two position among the world’s helicopter manufacturers, declared CEO Jeff Pino here on Monday. “We are the second largest helicopter manufacturer by revenues and we will soon compete with Eurocopter for the number one position,” said Pino, who has seen his company’s turnover grow on a 22-percent trend, against a 13-percent industry average.

Sikorsky expects revenues to reach approximately $5.5 billion this year, after a record $4.8 billion in 2007. The breakdown  percentage between domestic and international sales should come close to 75-25 this year due to the high proportion of U.S. government programs.

On the civil side, the ability to build aircraft is limited because of a stretched supply chain, as the company has given priority to military components. In total, Sikorsky expects seven first flights this year–by the X2 compound demonstrator, the Canadian Maritime H-92, the Black Hawk’s fly-by-wire version, the Singapore Navy’s SH-60, the Battle Hawk, the S-76D and the Schweizer 434. Backlog is estimated at $12 billion. Sikorsky can be found here in Hall 4 F14.

Back

Duo Smashes Around-the-world Helo Speed Record August 19, 2008 The “Grand Adventure” concluded yesterday morning at New York La Guardia Airport. Helicopter pilots Scott Kasprowicz and Steve Sheik flew a... [more]
Offshore Contract for Norsk August 01, 2008 Norsk Helikopter has signed a six-year contract with StatoilHydro and ENI Norge for offshore oil platform helicopter transportation from... [more]
Silver State Students Sue Lender August 01, 2008 Students of the now-defunct training school Silver State Helicopters are suing KeyBank, one of the banks that financed their tuition, charging... [more]
Eurocopter Takes Over Mx Firm August 01, 2008 Eurocopter has announced it will take over Motorflug Baden-Baden, a German helicopter MRO specialist. The firm has bases in Baden-Baden,... [more]
With an eye to the environment, Eurocopter mulls system changes August 01, 2008 Eurocopter is stepping up its efforts to make helicopters more environmentally friendly by eliminating hydraulic and engine bleed-air systems,... [more]