LAKELAND FL, SUN N FUN CAMPUS (March 28, 2012) - At Sun 'n Fun today, the Lindbergh Foundation announced that Sikorsky Innovations has become the first rotorcraft company to join the Aviation Green Alliance as a Founding Member.
Sikorsky Innovations is Sikorsky Aircraft's technology development organization, charged with tackling the toughest problems in vertical flight. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE UTX).
"We are thrilled to have Sikorsky Innovations join our elite group of Aviation Green Alliance Founding Members," said Lindbergh Foundation chairman and CEO Larry Williams. "I am confident that both Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh would be enormously proud to have such a prestigious organization-especially one with such close historical ties -- that has done so much for aviation as well as the environment, supporting this vital Foundation program. I look forward to continuing the collaboration between the Lindbergh and Sikorsky namesakes that began with Charles and Igor more than a half century ago."
Williams explained that in recent years, the aviation industry -- including manufacturing, corporate operators and individuals -- has come under intense pressure to address aviation emissions, noise, efficiency and other environmental concerns. To address these issues, the Lindbergh Foundation launched the Aviation Green Alliance to support and encourage those who are committed to proactively addressing aviation and environmental challenges.
"Sikorsky has been employing a comprehensive strategy for environmental management and sustainability to lead the rotorcraft industry in reducing energy consumption, protecting our natural resources, and being a leader in green and sustainable initiatives and green technology," said Robert Araujo, Sikorsky Manager of Sustainable Development and Environmental, Health and Safety Programs. "Initiatives like the Aviation Green Alliance are an opportunity for industry leaders to leave an indelible mark on the future of green aviation, and Sikorsky is proud to support this effort."
Laurence Vigeant Langlois, Sikorsky Innovations' Director of Business Development & Partnerships, added, "The Lindbergh Foundation Aviation Green Alliance presents an opportunity for Sikorsky to demonstrate our engagement and to support initiatives that respond to the aviation industry's environmental sustainability challenges throughout the product life cycle. We look forward to sharing best practices and to maturing our partnership in environmental stewardship."
The Aviation Green Alliance was established to create multiple platforms for members to share strategies, findings, progress, and ideas related to aviation's environmental challenges. "With the Lindbergh Foundation's mission and history deeply rooted in aviation, we felt it was the Foundation's responsibility to step forward and lead a grassroots rally to support tangible, measurable, and sustainable environmental progress by the aviation industry," said Williams. "We hope other like-minded individuals and companies-leaders like Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft Jeppesen, FedEx, Fantasy of Flight and now Sikorsky Innovations - will come forward and help Lindbergh Foundation's Aviation Green Alliance lead the way."
About The Lindbergh Foundation
The Lindbergh Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, based in Anoka, Minnesota, which focuses on technological breakthroughs to address significant aviation-environmental issues. The Lindbergh Foundation also values individual initiative and accomplishments. Its programs are devoted to supporting, honoring, and educating individuals, through three major programs: the annual Lindbergh Award, presented to individuals for significant contributions toward balancing nature and scientific innovation in their work; the Lindbergh Grants program, which provides grants in amounts up to $10,580 (the cost of building the Spirit of St. Louis in 1927) for research or education projects that will make important contributions to the technology/environment balance; and a variety of educational events including the new Aviation Green Alliance.
About Sikorsky Innovations
Sikorsky Innovations is an agile, networked group of Sikorsky employees and industry teammates dedicated to demonstrating innovative technology solutions to the toughest problems in vertical flight. Sikorsky Innovations is pursuing a broad range of advanced technologies, including the X2 Technology™ demonstrator, aware and adaptive aircraft systems, and optionally piloted aircraft. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn. is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn. provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries. For more information, visit www.sikorsky.com/Innovation.
