The fully operational, medically equipped Sikorsky S-76A helicopter Helijet recently donated from its fleet for medical airlift use in Ukraine has arrived safely. Ukrainian engineers trained by Helijet in the aircraft’s service and maintenance procedures have received the packaged helicopter for reassembly and testing before pressing it into service.
After the donation was first announced in February, the aircraft was partially disassembled for its long air and ground trek from Helijet’s headquarters in Richmond, B.C. to its arrival point in Ukraine. Until recently, the Sikorsky aircraft, owned by Helijet, had been providing backup air medical service to the Ministry of Health for patient transport in B.C. It remains in airworthy and operational condition.
Danny Sitnam, President of Helijet International, has flown to Ukraine himself this week to personally oversee the handover of the aircraft, and get a first-hand sense of conditions on the ground in Ukraine.
“Once you’re here, what the war has done to the Ukrainian people and their villages and cities suddenly becomes real in a way that just can’t be fully conveyed in the reports we see on the news,” Sitnam says. “Having helped with various Ukrainian relief efforts in Canada since the Russian invasion began here three years ago, I knew simply gifting one of our now-surplus aircraft for use over here would make a positive impact. I’d like to encourage all companies in the Canadian aviation industry to join in and look at what they can spare from their fleets, and match or beat our contribution. The people here will appreciate any help more than you can know.”
Helijet’s gift is made on condition that the helicopter is used solely for non-commercial, humanitarian, and medical evacuation missions to airlift individuals in need of urgent medical care to hospitals in Ukraine. The donation was made possible under an agreement between Helijet and a consortium of non-governmental organizations working in Canada and Ukraine: Maple Hope Foundation and the Ukrainian World Congress.
Danny Sitnam, CEO, Helijet with Svitlana Kominko, CEO, Maple Hope Foundation
“The significance of this gift, Danny’s personal attention and involvement, and now his very presence here in Ukraine to oversee the exchange is reflective of the united support we’ve seen from the Canadian people. Danny doesn’t have a single drop of Ukrainian blood in him, but he understands the importance of providing support to help people in desperate need whoever, or wherever, they may be. His bold, transformative actions will directly save lives. And the donation of a Sikorsky helicopter also comes ‘full circle’ for us symbolically as the Ukrainian people continue to fight this war. Igor Sikorsky himself was born in Kyiv and surely had no idea that his invention of 100 years ago would become part of the effort to save lives in his own native country today.” -Svitlana Kominko, CEO, Maple Hope Foundation
“In a war where seconds mean the difference between life and death, this helicopter will become a lifeline, a flying beacon of hope for the wounded and vulnerable. Helijet’s extraordinary donation is not just a gesture of solidarity; it’s a bold act of humanity that will save lives on the front lines. Danny Sitnam’s decision to personally bring this aircraft to Ukraine sends a clear message: the world has not turned its back. This is what true allyship looks like — courageous, compassionate, and immediate. On behalf of all those whose lives will be touched by this gift, we say thank you. History will remember this.” -Andrew Potichnyj, Director, Unite with Ukraine initiative, Ukrainian World Congress
“Helijet’s donation is a profound act of solidarity that exemplifies the best of humanity. In the face of brutality and destruction, this medically equipped helicopter will serve as a symbol of life, hope, and unwavering support from the people of Canada. Danny Sitnam’s leadership and personal commitment to delivering this aircraft to Ukraine show the world what real partnership looks like. Not just words, but action. We urge others in the global business community to follow Helijet’s lead. Ukraine’s fight for freedom is not just our battle, it is a stand for the values of democracy, dignity, and the sanctity of human life.” -Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian World Congress
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