Helicopter Support Inc. - During HeliExpo 2006, American Eurocopter signed an agreement with the subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft, covering the maintenance of Eurocopter aircraft operated in the United States. Interview with David Adler, Senior Vice President Worldwide Customer Service at Sikorsky, and President of HSI.

What does the agreement that you have signed with American Eurocopter cover?
David Adler: This is a maintenance agreement (spare parts and overhaul) covering the EC120 B Colibris, AS350 and AS355 AStars, and the BO105s flown by US operators. We are very happy to be working closely with American Eurocopter because we both belong to multinational companies and numerous possibilities for cooperation exist. We must develop a common base of service offerings in orderto provide comprehensive service to our customers.

Is this agreement linked to the partnership signed between Eurocopter and Sikorsky for the LUH invitation to bid?
D. A.: It’s true that we began the negotiations on this agreement as part of the LUH invitation to bid; however, that is a separate case entirely. We have submitted a bid with Eurocopter for the LUH contract based on 322 UH145s, and that is very exciting! If we win, HSI and Sikorsky Support Services will provide the product support and we will be working hand-in-hand with Eurocopter. We all really hope the UH145 will be selected. This would be an excellent opportunity to expand the relationship between Eurocopter and HSI in the United States and perhaps elsewhere. Whatever happens, though, we are delighted to be working together with Eurocopter and forging a future with increased opportunities for both companies.