Aero Vodochody has produced the 100th Sikorsky S-76C helicopter. The company, which produces about a third of the aircraft's 8,500 parts, achieved the milestone with aircraft serial number 624 on March 13.

Once representatives from Sikorsky have checked the aircraft over, it will be sent to Bremerhaven, Germany, before making its way to Sikorsky in Stratford, USA, for dynamic parts and interior fitting.

"We have gained a valuable reference, proving our ability to ensure smooth deliveries of complete aircraft technology units at very high quality and on time," said Monika Vajnerova, Aero's vp for aerostructures.

"Aero has been producing the complete helicopter, excluding dynamic parts, engine and rotor, and final interior installation, since 2000. The volume of the Sikorsky programme production rises by tens of per cent year-on-year, which proves the quality of the product itself, as well as the quality of our work."

The Sikorsky programme is the largest of Aero's aerostructures programmes, engaging about a third of its 1,650 employees.

The company states that is has been negotiating contracts with new potential partners.

On March 8, the company received Production Organisation Approval (POA) for the Ibis Ae270 aircraft.

"By obtaining the POA, Aero has crowned the period of obtaining all necessary approvals for our civil programme's

successful realisation and further development," said quality assurance director Zdenek Bires.

The Ae270 received its EASA Type Certificate in December 2005, which was followed by FAA certification on February 24.

The aircraft is a joint venture between Aero Vodochody and Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation. Each company owns a 50 per cent share in Ibis Aerospace.