First Production Sikorsky S-92 Heads to Work Latest Generation Helicopter to Fly the Gulf for PHI STRATFORD, Conn., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The first production Sikorsky S-92 helicopter is expected this weekend at its new home base in Lafayette, La., where it will open up a new age of offshore service on the Gulf of Mexico with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI). "The S-92 is a revolutionary aircraft, the most technologically advanced and safest helicopter in the world. We are pleased with the S-92 because of its advanced safety features, range, payload, cabin size and cost effectiveness," said Al A. Gonsoulin, chairman, president and CEO of PHI. A second S-92 for PHI is nearing delivery early next month. S-92 completion will increase through the end of 2004, with decreasing intervals between deliveries. The plan is to deliver 18 aircraft in 2005. Sikorsky has orders, including options, for 60 S-92 helicopters. "We are delivering this aircraft to a high-usage customer that will be flying the aircraft in demanding offshore missions in the Gulf of Mexico," said Sikorsky President Steve Finger. "Under these conditions, this S-92, and the one we deliver in a few weeks, will build up flight hours of operation at an incredible rate." Sikorsky has been selected by the Government of Canada to provide 28 H-92 maritime helicopters, military derivatives of the S-92. Sikorsky is also offering a version of the H-92 in the competition for the next-generation helicopter to serve the White House mission. PHI (Nasdaq: PHEL; PHELK) provides helicopter transportation and related services to a broad range of customers. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), of Hartford, Conn. DATASOURCE: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation CONTACT: Bill Tuttle of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, +1-203-386-3829,

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