WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky announced today that its Associated Aircraft Group (AAG) has partnered with Patient AirLift Services (PALS), a nonprofit organization that arranges for free volunteer aircraft flights for needy medical patients including military veterans throughout the Northeast. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT).

AAG joined with PALS to donate free helicopter transportation to medical treatment for ambulatory individuals who cannot afford or are otherwise unable to fly commercially in the Northeast. Transportation is also arranged by PALS to assist military personnel and their families with free flights to aid in recovery and rehabilitation for wounded veterans.  AAG conducted its first flight in the joint effort on May 31 using an AAG Sikorsky S-76® helicopter.

"AAG is extremely proud to partner with PALS to provide air transportation at no cost to patients, veterans, and their families," said Scott Ashton, general manager for AAG.  "As a PALS pilot myself, I have seen first-hand how these flights help ease the burden of those in need.  We are grateful for the opportunity to use our fleet of helicopters to provide relief to patients who are undergoing such difficult times in their lives."    

AAG is well recognized for its long history of owning and operating Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in the Northeast. AAG is "Platinum" rated by ARG/US International, is Wyvern Recommended, and recently achieved 50,000 safe flying hours in the S-76 helicopter. AAG provides VIP helicopter transportation in the Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, and Boston markets.

For additional information on AAG, visit our website: http://www.flyaag.com. Find out more information about Patient AirLift Services: www.PALSflight.org.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin