Era Group Inc. opens Super Base, adopts Sikorsky S-92 helicopter for oil-and-gas applications

STRATFORD, Conn., 26 June 2015. Era Group Inc. (NYSE:ERA), a helicopter transport operator, opened its Super Base, a 35-acre passenger terminal and climate-controlled hangar in Houma, La., and took delivery of a S-92 helicopter from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The new Houma base is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and safety systems, increased security screening, and value-added conveniences and processes for passengers and employees. It also features enhanced storm protection, reduced flyaway limitations, and an infrastructure equipped to provide increased reliability of flight operations in all weather conditions.

"As the premier heliport serving the U.S. Gulf Coast area, Era's new Houma base directly reflects our commitment to delivering safe, efficient and reliable transportation services to our customers," explains Chris Bradshaw, president, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer of Era Group. "In addition to supporting our existing customers, the enhanced facilities and infrastructure will help drive the expansion of our customer base."

The Houma Super Base will house more than 30 aircraft and facilitate approximately 15,000 passengers per month traveling to and from offshore oil and gas installations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Automated kiosks, increased baggage transfer capabilities, enhanced security screening, and additional customer service functions will streamline passenger processing. The new terminal's customer waiting area is equipped with a variety of amenities, including real-time Era flight status screens, televisions, and guest wi-fi. Other amenities include expanded parking areas and shuttle services.

In January 2014, Era signed a multi-year contract with Sikorsky for S-92 helicopters. Sikorsky and Era celebrated the first S-92 helicopter baseline delivery at the 2015 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo show in Orlando, Florida. Today, in parallel with the opening of Era’s new Super Base in Houma, Louisiana, Sikorsky announced the baseline delivery of the second S-92 helicopter to Era. The aircraft are expected to enter service later this year.

Era Group is one of the largest helicopter operators in the world and the longest serving helicopter transport operator in the U.S., according to company officials. In addition to servicing its U.S. customers, Era Group provides helicopters and related services to third-party helicopter operators and customers in other countries, including Brazil, India, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Era Group's helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore installations, drilling rigs, and platforms.

“Era is delighted to accept baseline delivery of our second S-92 helicopter,” says Chris Bradshaw, CEO of Era Group Inc. “This helicopter will service clients from our new Super Base, strategically located in Houma, Louisiana, and promises to be a reliable, safe and comfortable helicopter for our customers.”

Sikorsky representatives attended the grand opening of Era’s new Super Base in Houma today. The new 65,000 square foot hangar will facilitate passenger transportation to oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We are thrilled to announce the acceptance of another S-92 helicopter by Era on the same day that they open their new Super Base,” affirms David Martin, Sikorsky’s director, energy and oil sector. “The entire team at Sikorsky is proud to know that these S-92 helicopters will enhance Era’s ability to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-efficient transportation to their clients in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Sikorsky has delivered more than 250 S-92 helicopters to customers throughout the world. In 2014, Sikorsky celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the S-92 helicopter, which was first delivered in 2004. The fleet has reached more than 800,000 flight hours, with over 90 percent of those hours providing offshore oil and gas worker transportation. S-92 helicopters also perform search and rescue missions, heads of state missions, and a variety of transportation missions for utility and airline passengers.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the aerospace and building systems industries.