Heli-Expo 2011 Breaks Previous Show Record

The Helicopter Association International's 2011 Heli-Expo show, which closed March 8 in Orlando, Fla., appears to have exceeded expectations, with exhibitors, attendees and orders indicating a strong climb out of the long economic downturn. All of the helicopter manufacturers in attendance announced multiple orders and most launched new rotorcraft at the show, including Eurocopter, which unveiled an AStar and the EC145T2, and Bell, which added two variants of the 407. AgustaWestland brought a mockup of its AW169 twin to Heli-Expo and reported a 56-percent growth in orders during 2010, compared with 2009. Meanwhile, a new entrant, Marenco Swisshelicopter, debuted its single-engine composite SKYe SH09 single. MD Helicopters CEO Lynn Tilton said she is preparing the company for massive growth from pending deals with Boeing and a Middle East EMS operator. And Sikorsky president Jeff Pino reported strong 2010 results and plans for expanding the company's non-defense portfolio, as well as significant technological advances.