Las Vegas, Nevada - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the signing of a contract with ASESA (Aeroservicios Especializados, S.A. de C.V.), a Mexican helicopter service provider, for the purchase of six S-76D™ helicopters to serve the offshore oil transport mission. Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), announced the sale at the 2013 Heli-Expo Industry Show.

The sale marks the first time ASESA has purchased a Sikorsky helicopter, and the first sale of an S-76D™ helicopter into Mexico. It continues a sales trend of Sikorsky products into Mexico over the last five years. During that time, the fleet of Sikorsky helicopters operating in Mexico has grown from six to 29 aircraft.

“The S-76 helicopter has been a workhorse in the offshore oil industry, logging more than four million flight hours in its lifetime in offshore oil missions. The S-76D model offers even greater performance capability than its predecessors, and we are extremely proud and thrilled that ASESA has recognized this as they embark on a renewal and expansion of their helicopter fleet,” said Robert Kokorda, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Sikorsky.

“Mexico is an important market for us, as evidenced by the fleet of Sikorsky model aircraft there having grown five fold in the last five years. With PEMEX’s increasing exploration efforts in the Gulf, we expect more and more S-76D’s to be fielded there in the coming years as well,” Kokorda added.

ASESA began leasing S-76C++™ helicopters in 2011.

“We have been pleased with the performance and safety of the S-76 helicopter, and respect the Sikorsky reputation. These factors were significant in our decision to purchase the new S-76D helicopter,” said Humberto Lobo, President of ASESA. “This action improves and enhances the program to develop the Mexican Aeronautical Industry as a strategic provider of products and services with a world class company. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Sikorsky, one of the best-known helicopter manufacturing companies in the world.”

The S-76D helicopter is the latest in the family of popular S-76^® helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky. There have been more than 800 S-76 helicopters delivered to the global fleet since 1979, contributing daily to a growing 6 million-plus flight hours.

Designed for safety, reliability and efficiency, the S-76D helicopter’s standard equipment features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot; health and usage monitoring system, and active vibration control. The S-76D is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s compact and light-weight PW210S, which delivers the best in class power-to-weight ratio and fuel burn with excellent payload and range benefits. Rotor Ice Protection System for all-weather capability will be available as an option.

Aeroservicios Especializados, S.A. de C.V. (ASESA), a subsidiary of Grupo Lomex is a leading helicopter services Company, operator for the Oil and Gas Industry in Mexico and South America, founded in 1977 working strongly in different markets, mainly with PEMEX, recognized for customer service innovation and superior quality. ASESA has experience with numerous helicopter models and a strong tradition as provider of maintenance services for helicopters in Mexico, with three maintenance centers based in Monterrey, Mexico, and Ciudad del Carmen, which cover all Mexican territory.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.