Sikorsky’s operations and supply chain are currently unaffected by the coronavirus pandemic, a  spokesperson for parent company Lockheed Martin.

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US reaches 7,111, the Connecticut-based manufacturer is monitoring the development of the pandemic closely. But the company has yet to see a significant effect on its daily operations and supply chain movements.

John Neilson, director of international communications, Lockheed Martin told Helicopter Investor: “There are no specific impacts to our operations or supply chain at this time. We will continue to monitor and coordinate with customers should issues arise.

“We are mitigating any potential impacts to customers and implementing business continuity plans as required, including secure telework for our customer support teams.”

‘Reinforce Healthy Behaviours’

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin are taking precautions to prevent the spread of the in the workplace. The companies are following travel guidelines from the US government and have asked employees with potential exposure to work remotely and self-isolate. It is also telling managers to accommodate flexible work schedules.

A Sikorsky Spokesperson told Helicopter Investor: “We continue to follow travel guidance from the US government and other countries where we do business and are limiting all other international and domestic travel unless necessary for business. We also pre-screen visitors to company locations and limit guests to ensure visits are necessary for business. When the circumstances warrant, we deep clean work areas and common spaces in any facility with elevated exposure to Covid19 and regularly share exposure-prevention protocols to reinforce healthy behaviours.”

Connecticut and Covid-19

Sikorsky’s home state of Connecticut has banned gatherings of more than 50 people and has started closing casinos, gyms and movie theatres starting Monday (March 16) evening. The state has recorded 68 coronavirus cases among its population of around 3.57m.

The helicopter manufacture has major production facilities in Florida and Texas, which have recorded 136 and 67 confirmed cases respectively, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

Fellow helicopter OEMs Airbus and Leonardo have recently paused production to sanitise facilities to protect floor workers against the Covid-19 pandemic.