US Manufacturers opt for Helitech

US platform manufacturers will have a major presence at Helitech 2009, underlining the importance of the show as a portal to decision makers across all sectors of the European rotary wing market. The event, which is held at Duxford, one of the UK's most renowned aviation venues, takes place from September 22 to 24 this year.

The US contingent comprises Bell Helicopter Textron, Enstrom Helicopter Corp., MD Helicopters and Sikorsky. This impressive array of world leaders will provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in key areas of rotary wing operation, including corporate, utility, police, emergency medical and homeland security.

Search and rescue is another crucial area of helicopter operation. Sikorsky recently announced that in its first year of use by the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency and, under the operation of CHC Helicopter Corp., Sikorsky Aircraft's Search-and-Rescue (SAR)-configured S-92® helicopter logged 279 rescues and was operating at availability levels of more than 98 percent.

Maintenance, repair and overhaul always feature prominently at Helitech and Bell Helicopter is now offering a SkyBOOKS electronic logbook with each new ship delivery. The web based product, which is pre-funded by Bell Helicopter for the first two years, comes with all current historical records and configuration data fully loaded.

From the European arena, Agusta Westland and Eurocopter have also signed up making Helitech the largest showcase of helicopter manufacturers and suppliers that takes places outside the USA.

Sue Bradshaw, Exhibition Director of Helitech, said: "Despite the challenging global economic climate, companies of all sizes are recognising that Helitech is a vitally important business development forum for the helicopter industry."