Sikorsky operator marks safe flight milestone with S76 helicopters
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company has recognised American Express’ corporate flight department for achieving 8,000 hours of safe flight with its fleet of S-76 helicopters. The event took place during the 2018 National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition.
American Express established its corporate flight department 50 years ago, adding Sikorsky aircraft to its fleet in 1980. Since then, American Express has had a stellar safety record with no accidents or incidents with its Sikorsky helicopters.
“Since 1980, we have flown more than 8,000 hours of executive transportation using a reliable fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters without incident or accident. We’re extremely proud of our safety record, and grateful for Sikorsky’s commitment to the safety and reliability of its products,” said American Express’ Vice President, Aviation, Richard Walsh.
“American Express’ safe flight record is an example to the entire rotorcraft industry,” said Sikorsky’s Regional Executive for North America, Jeanette Eaton. “Sikorsky is extremely proud of our customer’s flight hour achievement and the diligence they exhibit in maintaining and operating their aircraft.”
Based at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York, American Express has operated an S-76A, two S-76B models and one S-76C+ helicopter as part of its fleet.
Since 1977, Sikorsky has delivered more than 875 S-76 helicopters to customers around the world. The S-76 series is well-known for high reliability with more than 130 aircraft performing corporate transportation missions world-wide and aircraft performing Head of State transportation missions for 10 nations.
