Sikorsky has established a Customer Advisory Group to shape the ongoing development and integration of transformative technologies for next-generation vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The group of leading commercial customers includes Bristow, Flexjet, HeliOffshore, Macquarie, Omni Helicopters International, Shell and VIH Aviation Group, who will collaborate closely with Sikorsky to define real-world requirements for integrating advanced technologies into future vertical lift systems.

The collaboration will accelerate the advancement of autonomy, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and hybrid-electric propulsion, helping to drive innovation and growth within the industry. “Sikorsky’s commitment to innovation and transformation is at the core of what we do, and we are excited to have these leading commercial customers join us on this journey,” says Leon Silva, vice president of global commercial and military systems at Sikorsky. “Their expertise and insights will be invaluable as we continue to develop and refine our hybrid-electric propulsion, autonomy and UAS technologies. Together, we will shape the future of vertical lift and create new opportunities for our industry.”

The Sikorsky Customer Advisory Group will provide commercial operators with a platform to give feedback, share operational challenges and influence Sikorsky’s future product portfolio, enabling Sikorsky to better understand customer needs and develop solutions that meet evolving requirements.

Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s rapid prototyping division, is leading the development of a family of VTOL aircraft systems, with hybrid-electric propulsion and Sikorsky’s Matrix flight autonomy as enabling technologies.

Launch members are: Dave Stepanek FRAeS, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at Bristow; Eli Flint, president at Flexjet Vertical Lift; Tim Rolfe, CEO at HeliOffshore; Greg A. Allen, COO at Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing; Jeremy Akel, group chief executive officer at Omni Helicopters International; Mark Boumans, manager, Air Transport Safety at Shell; and Ken Norie, president and CEO at VIH Aviation Group. The company is keen to add further members.