Hoping to encourage more operators to add its S-76D twin-turbine commercial helicopter their fleets, Sikorsky Aircraft (Booth No. 2822) announced a new entry into service (EIS) program Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2014.

S-76 program director Leon Silva said the new EIS program will provide “a robust customer experience” with each S-76D delivery, complete with pilot and maintainer training on the type provided by FlightSafety International. A specialized S-76D fleet service representative will also be available to address customers’ needs from the field, and on-site pilot support is also available.

Additionally, Sikorsky’s Fleet Management Operations Center (FMOC) will identify potential opportunities for cost and availability improvements to S-76D EIS customers, by combining data from the aircraft’s health and usage monitoring system with the client’s own maintenance and operations information.

“Understanding how customers use their aircraft enables [the FMOC] to predict parts demand and optimize supply chain and inventory,” noted Silva, adding that a similar program has been used to great effect for operators of the company’s heavy-lift S-92.