News
Heli-One Awarded S61 Autohover Installation Contract
November 28, 2006Tuesday, November 28, 2006, Vancouver, BC, Canada: Heli-One, an operating subsidiary of CHC Helicopter Corporation ("CHC") (TSX: FLY.A and FLY.B; NYSE: FLI) announced today that it has commenced work on a new contract to install autohover systems in six Sikorsky S61A (Nuri) helicopters owned and operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Heli-One was awarded the contract by Airod Sdn Bhd, Malaysia's premier aircraft maintenance center. The contract is anticipated to generate revenues to Heli-One of approximately CDN $13.3 million over three years.
Heli-One will integrate the Smiths SN502 Autohover System based on an engineering design and upgrade developed by the Company for its European Operations division's contract in support of the Irish Coast Guard. Heli-One has completed seven S-61 Autohover conversions to date and will adapt its commercial helicopter designs to fit this military application. Airod will provide engineering support and install the system at Airod facilities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Airod has extensive experience on the S61A having undertaken numerous upgrades including Night Vision capability.
"The combination of Heli-One and Airod's installation capabilities and technical expertise gave us the clear advantage when the RMAF evaluated the our joint proposal" said Mr. Chris McDowell, Heli-One's Vice President of Business Development and Sales, "We are excited about the opportunity to work with Airod and this clearly demonstrates Heli-One's commitment to the Southeast Asia customer base and military operators worldwide."
Airod CEO, Kamil Aziz said "Airod is elated that the joint Airod /Heli-One bid was most competitive and comprehensive. Airod will continue to strengthen its position as the leading Government of Malaysia's defense contractor in MRO activities especially providing upgrades and modifications."
Airod, a subsidiary of National Aerospace & Defence Industries (NADI), established in 1976 provides a variety of MRO services to military and civil operators. Its customer base of 50 extends to 25 countries worldwide. The Government of Malaysia is Airod's valued customer with services extended to the RMAF, Royal Army Aviation, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Police and Department of Fire & Rescue Services.
Heli-One is the world's largest independent helicopter support company, providing logistics, maintenance and power-by-the-hour support for 14 different aircraft types operated by customers around the world.
CHC Helicopter Corporation is the world's largest provider of helicopter services to the global offshore oil and gas industry, with aircraft operating in more than 30 countries around the world.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release contain projections and other forward-looking statements involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause our performance to be materially different from that implied. While these projections and other statements represent our best current judgment, they may involve additional risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, factors detailed in CHC's Annual Report on Form 20-F and in other filings with the United States SEC and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, CHC disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For further information, please contact:
Chris McDowell,
Vice President Business Development and Sales,
Heli-One
(604) 276-0100
Rick Davis,
Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
CHC Helicopter Corporation
(604) 279-2471
Chris Flanagan
Director of Communications
CHC Helicopter Corporation
(604) 279-2493
