HELI-EXPO, ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- (Marketwire - March 6, 2011) - PHI Inc (NASDAQ: PHII, PHIIK), a leading provider of helicopter transportation and related services to a diverse customer group that includes the oil and gas industries, has purchased 10 AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC's) PT6C-67C engines. As well, PHI has signed a long-term Engine Service Agreement for the repair and overhaul of the PT6C-67C engines. The announcement was made today at Heli-Expo 2011, which is being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., from March 5 to 8. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
"These aircraft will be used specifically for oil and gas customers who require highly reliable transportation among their various sites, including their off-shore facilities around the world," said Tony Gonzales, Director of Maintenance, PHI. "We took delivery of our first engine in November 2010, and through 2012 we will have received 10 aircraft. PHI has been a Pratt & Whitney Canada customer since the 1960s, and we place great trust and reliance in the organization. Signing up for a P&WC Engine Service Agreement for these engines was a logical extension of the faith we have in their products and their people."
"P&WC's PT6C-67C engines carry an enviable pedigree within the aviation industry," said Raffaele Virgili, Vice President, Customer Service, P&WC. "While the original PT6 engine made its debut almost 50 years ago, regular technology upgrades have kept it current. It's viewed as a reliable powerhouse in its class and continues to set the standard in terms of innovative design and operational and environmental performance. The Engine Service Agreement PHI signed with us covers the repair and overhaul of the engines."
As a leading helicopter engine manufacturer, P&WC has developed solid relationships with a multitude of OEMs in the market. The company offers a product line that is broad, targeted and tailored. In the last eight years alone, there has been a threefold increase in the number of P&WC helicopter engines delivered annually.
P&WC customer service
P&WC is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of its ESP(R) plan this year, with more than 1,000 operators and 3,000 engines enjoying the benefits of membership.
In addition to the most advanced engine technology available, Pratt & Whitney Canada brings world-class customer service backed by a worldwide network of more than 100 field support representatives (FSRs), distribution centres in key locations around the world and more than 80 mobile repair technicians; a broad pool of rental and exchange engines; a customized Fleet Management Program (FMP(R)) and Eagle Service(TM) Plan (ESP); comprehensive warranty coverage; as well as an extensive Customer Service Network with more than 30 facilities around the world.
P&WC and the helicopter industry
Since the 1970s, P&WC has produced more than 12,000 engines for the helicopter market, accumulating more than 43 million flying hours. The company has certified 31 models for more than 25 applications and engines destined for the helicopter industry.
We continue to make significant investment in our market-leading PW200 and PT6 turboshaft families of engines. Our outlook remains strong and we continue to direct our R&D investments toward customer-driven initiatives that target outstanding performance and reliability, optimal power-to-weight ratio, fuel burn, operating economics and environmental performance.
Come see us at Heli-Expo: Booth 421, Orange County Convention Center.
