The U.K.'s royal household has chosen the "low carbon footprint" S-76C++ as its next official engagements helicopter. Sikorsky provided the S-76C+ that the royal family currently uses. The choice of the S-76C++ is subject to U.K. government approval.

"The S-76C++ was chosen as most closely meeting the mission requirements, providing the best value and producing the lowest carbon footprint of the three short-listed helicopters," says Capt. Christopher Pittaway, manager and chief pilot of The Queen's Helicopter Flight. 

It is expected to enter service in August 2009. Meanwhile, Lynton Aviation Aircraft Sales is to deliver in the third quarter of 2008 a new S-76C++ to a private operator in Belgium. Steve Ayling of Lynton, the Sikorsky representative within the U.K., Eire and Belgium, welcomed the sale.