Pratt & Whitney Canada: REMSA Becomes First MD Explorer Engine Upgrade Customer.

Business Editors

LONGUEUIL, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2002

Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) is pleased to announce that the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) of Reno, Nev., has become the first customer to sign up for an MD Explorer engine upgrade program.

Under the program, REMSA will retrofit its PW206A-powered MD Explorer with PW207E engines, providing it with an increase of nearly 11 per cent in available power. REMSA's helicopter is currently undergoing the upgrade at MD Helicopter Inc.'s (MDHI's) facilities in Mesa, Ariz.

P&WC and MDHI began offering the engine upgrade program for MD Explorer operators in September 2001. It allows helicopters with either PW206A or PW206E engines to be reconfigured with the PW207E model, thermodynamically rated at 710 SHP take-off and 800 SHP 2.5 minute one-engine inoperative (OEI). It also provides operators with a new engine commercial warranty (full coverage for three years or 2,500 engine flight hours, whichever comes first).

"We are delighted that REMSA has decided to take advantage of this upgrade program," said Eric Gizard, Vice President, Turboshaft Engines, P&WC. "Several other MD Explorer operators have also expressed interest and discussions with them are ongoing." REMSA's single MD Explorer helicopter is the fleet's high-time aircraft with 5,000 hours. It averages 1,500 flights and 1,000 patients a year. The aircraft's missions range from hospital transfers to scene work (often at ski resorts) and responses to medical emergencies in remote areas. In these situations, power and performance are critical.

REMSA Becomes First MD Explorer Engine Upgrade Customer (cont.) To date, PW200 series turboshaft engines have been selected by helicopter manufacturers as the engine of choice for all of their new generation light-twin helicopter applications. Last year, the PW200 series powered approximately 70 per cent of new deliveries in the light-twin market, and for the second year in a row, P&WC was ranked No. 1 helicopter engine support provider in the Professional Pilot Powerplant Product Support Survey.

The PW200 design was strongly influenced by input from key helicopter operators during technical consultations with P&WC.

They also provided P&WC with valuable guidance in preparing a comprehensive service introduction package. The company's support services include: a network of field support representatives; factory-based technical support; a 24-hour help line for spares and logistics support; dedicated customer training centres; and a network of factory-owned and authorized independent service facilities.

P&WC, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in aviation engines powering business and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also offers advanced engines for industrial applications. P&WC's operations and service network span the globe. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), a high-technology company based in Hartford, Connecticut.