STRATFORD, Conn., March 7, 2025 – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company [NYSE:LMT], has formed a group of leading commercial customers to help shape the ongoing development and integration of transformative technologies for next-generation vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
The Sikorsky Customer Advisory Group, whose launch members include Bristow, Flexjet, HeliOffshore, Macquarie, Omni Helicopters International, Shell, and VIH Aviation Group, will collaborate closely with Sikorsky to define and establish real-world requirements for integrating technologies such as Autonomy, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Hybrid-Electric Propulsion into future vertical lift systems. This partnership aims to accelerate the advancement and implementation of these cutting-edge technologies, ultimately driving innovation and growth in 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,” said 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 give operators the chance to provide valuable feedback, share operational challenges, and help shape Sikorsky’s future product portfolio. This collaboration will ensure Sikorsky better understands its customers’ evolving needs, enabling the development of solutions that meet their requirements.
Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s rapid prototyping group, is actively developing a family of VTOL aircraft systems with hybrid-electric propulsion and Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ flight autonomy as enabling technologies. These initiatives represent a key component of Sikorsky’s strategy to redefine vertical lift capabilities and expand possibilities for the future.
The initial Sikorsky Customer Advisory Group members are:
- Dave Stepanek FRAeS, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, Bristow
- Eli Flint, President, Flexjet Vertical Lift
- Tim Rolfe, CEO, HeliOffshore
- Greg A. Allen, COO, Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing
- Jeremy Akel, Group Chief Executive Officer, Omni Helicopters International
- Mark Boumans, Manager Air Transport Safety, Shell
- Ken Norie, President & CEO, VIH Aviation Group
For more information on Sikorsky’s technology pillars and innovative projects, please visit Sikorsky Innovations. If interested in joining the advisory group, contact bryan.m.marazzi@lmco.com.
SOURCE AND IMAGE©: Lockheed Martin
