Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. UTX -0.64% , today announced at Heli-Expo that Brazilian helicopter operator Lider Aviacao has signed a contract to buy three Sikorsky S-92® helicopters. Lider will operate the aircraft predominantly to serve the growing Petrobras demand for large rotorcraft capable of transporting workers to offshore oil and gas platforms.

The three new aircraft will join Lider’s existing fleet of four S-92 helicopters and 42 Sikorsky S-76(TM) helicopters serving the offshore oil and gas market in Brazil.

“We thank Lider for their continued confidence in Sikorsky aircraft to serve the offshore oil and gas market in Brazil,” said Bob Kokorda, Sikorsky Sales and Marketing Vice President. “Lider now has one of the world’s largest helicopter fleets serving this important industry. This purchase will enable Lider to carry more workers to rigs deployed beyond 200 nautical miles from shore.”

With a current maximum gross weight of 26,500 pounds, the S-92 helicopter is one of the largest in its heavy offshore class. Its cabin is easily capable of carrying 19 passengers and their luggage. Since entering service in September 2004, the S-92 fleet has grown to more than 150 aircraft. Helicopter transport companies serving the offshore oil and gas industry operate approximately 60 percent of the fleet, and currently account for 90 percent of the fleet’s 380,000 total flight hours.

According to Lider’s CEO, Eduardo Vaz, “The S-92 is seen by the oil and gas industry as the most suitable aircraft for offshore operations because it has the best performance rates within the large helicopter category based on its great flight range, cost efficiency and safety features.”

Sikorsky will begin deliveries of Lider’s new S-92 aircraft in 2012.

Based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Lider Aviacao is the largest executive aviation company and helicopter operator in Latin America, with over 2,000 employees, 26 FBO’s and a fleet of 92 aircraft. The company has an integrated portfolio of business that includes helicopter services for the offshore oil and gas industry, aircraft chartering and management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft sales and airport ground handling and has a leading position in each one of these markets.

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