In a significant move to provide humanitarian assistance amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Helijet, a Canadian airline and charter service provider, has dispatched a Sikorsky S-76A utility helicopter to the war-torn nation. This helicopter is designed to bolster medical evacuation efforts, a critical need as Russia’s military aggression continues to affect countless lives daily.
The Sikorsky S-76A, part of Helijet’s operational fleet, is outfitted with emergency capabilities aimed at assisting the Ukrainian government in its medical missions. Previously utilized under contract with Canada’s national health agency, the aircraft has proven effective in transporting patients across British Columbia, thus showcasing its potential for similar operations in Ukraine. Although the helicopter has been retired from federal service, it retains years of operational viability, allowing it to serve effectively in Kyiv.
The donation of this helicopter is the culmination of an eight-month collaboration between Helijet, the Ukrainian World Congress, the Ukraine-based rehabilitation group Initiative E+, and Vancouver’s Maple Hope Foundation. The agreement stipulates that the S-76A is to be used exclusively for non-commercial medical evacuation and humanitarian purposes, specifically to transport individuals requiring urgent medical care to hospitals in Ukraine.
This initiative marks Helijet’s first private aircraft donation to Ukraine; however, the company has been actively supporting the Ukrainian government since the onset of the invasion in 2022. Their efforts extend to providing relief assistance and coordinating medical supply shipments in partnership with local Canadian charities.
Danny Sitnam, the CEO of Helijet, has taken personal steps in support of displaced Ukrainians, welcoming three families into his home in Canada shortly after the conflict escalated. His commitment to aiding those affected by the war was underscored by Svitlana Kominko, CEO of the Maple Hope Foundation, who praised both Sitnam and Helijet for their unwavering dedication to the humanitarian cause. She highlighted that the donation serves as a powerful demonstration of Canadian unity and resolve in support of Ukraine during its ongoing struggle.
Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress, also emphasized the significance of the helicopter’s arrival. He characterized it as a “game-changer” that will deliver critical medical aid to individuals suffering in the conflict-impacted regions of Ukraine.
The Sikorsky S-76A helicopter, measuring 53 feet and able to accommodate up to 13 passengers, is powered by two 980-horsepower Turbomeca Arriel turboshaft engines. It boasts impressive performance capabilities, including a maximum speed exceeding 170 miles per hour, a operating range of 470 miles, and the ability to operate at altitudes up to 15,000 feet.
As Helijet’s initiative unfolds, the donation reflects a wider commitment among allies to provide tangible support to Ukraine during this challenging time. The collaborative efforts underscore not only the necessity for such humanitarian actions but also the strong international partnership that seeks to alleviate the suffering of those caught up in the conflict.
