Sikorsky’s presence and history in the Middle East

Our relationships are long and deep, I’m proud to say. In some cases, they are continuing from generation to generation. For example, Sikorsky Aircraft and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have enjoyed a strong relationship that began with His Majesty King Hussein and today continues with his eldest son, His Majesty King Abdullah. For the past few decades, the Royal Jordanian Air Force has flown Sikorsky helicopters. So, we are not a newcomer to the region. We are very well established.

Our presence today is significant in both the commercial and military segments of the Middle East market. Our commercial aircraft, the S-76® helicopter lineage and the new and larger S-92® helicopter have become very popular in the region’s oil and VIP transportation sectors. On the military side, our BLACK HAWK helicopters and S-92 military variants are serving many of the region’s governments including in Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi . In fact, I would say Sikorsky’s commercial and military helicopters are finding equal acceptance and success in the Middle East. They are well-suited for the mission, geography and climate.

Currently Sikorsky is putting great effort into expanding globally, in regions where our roots are not as deep as they are in the Middle East. We are establishing a Sikorsky Europe operation, for example, and have strengthened our presence in China by signing an agreement with Changhe Aircraft to produce S-76® commercial helicopter cabins. I mention this globalization push because eventually it will result in benefits to our Middle Eastern customers as well, in terms of accelerated production and deliveries for both military and commercial helicopters. Our customers in the Middle East are extremely important to us, and we want to make every effort to continue to provide the service to which they have become accustomed. This is how relationships are built and maintained.

What is Sikorsky’s growth strategy in the Middle East?

Both the military and commercial markets in the Middle East have been largely open to us. There are several reasons for this including friendly international relations, healthy market demand, product suitability, and, as I’ve said, a history of strong relationships. As a result, our strategy in the Middle East has been more customer-centric than structural. We work closely with our customers to understand and provide the exact right configurations that they require for their individual needs and missions, whether commercial or military. Along the same lines, our Worldwide Customer Service organization is exploring the possibility of working with partners to establish aftermarket support centers in the region, including an Aviation Center of Excellence. We’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gulf Helicopters to consider opening such a center, which would provide support, spares, training, and design and development services. So, our strategy is all about the customer.

How well is this strategy translating into new aircraft deliveries?

We have been very successful, in my opinion. The numbers speak for themselves. Sikorsky has fielded more than 50 aircraft to date in the Middle East region, and with the number of new aircraft that are already on order, that total will grow by approximately 75 percent in the next year or so. And, we fully expect that growth to continue. Getting back to the point I made before about balance between military and commercial helicopter sales, about half of the aircraft that are now on order for delivery are BLACK HAWKS and the rest are derivatives of commercial platforms. Demand for our products is fairly unilateral in this region.

Are Middle East customers buying the new Sikorsky S-92® helicopter?

Yes, both the commercial S-92 model and the military variants are finding good demand. On the commercial side, for example, Gulf Helicopters in Qatar flies the S-92 for VVIP transport, while the government of Kuwait flies the military variant. Nearly 20 more S-92 helicopters are currently on order, including three for Head of State transport. Customers appreciate the spaciousness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the S-92 versus competitor aircraft. The S-92 is the first helicopter certified to the highest safety standards in both the United States and Europe. I’d like to add that another Sikorsky commercial helicopter now in development, the S-76D™ helicopter, also is doing well, with more than a dozen already on order in the Middle East.

BLACK HAWKs are a Sikorsky staple. Is this true in the Middle East?

Yes, unquestionably.
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait all are either flying BLACK HAWK helicopters today or have ordered them. These aircraft perform a range of missions, from troop transport and border security, to search and rescue and Head of State escort. Worldwide, 26 governments are flying BLACK HAWK variant helicopters. Time and time again, these helicopters have proven their reliability and durability under extreme climate and battlefield conditions.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has become the international launch customer for our newest BLACK HAWK model, the UH-60M, after signing a Letter of Agreement to purchase nine in a foreign military sale by the U.S. Army. These new aircraft will give the Royal Bahraini Air Force multi-mission capability including combat search and rescue. The UH-60M features new and upgraded technology that improves lift capability, engine power, protection and survivability. It is the most capable and technologically advanced BLACK HAWK helicopter we have ever produced, ideally suited for its mission. It provides a safer, more responsive, deployable, versatile and effective weapon system for our customers. More than 25 of these aircraft are currently on order in the Middle East. We expect that number to grow.