Helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft has won a US$18mn long-term loan from boutique funding firm Private Export Funding Corp (Pefco).

The money will finance the export of a new S-92 helicopter to Lider Aviação, Brazil.

The deal is being backed by the US export-import bank.

The helicopter firm faced strong competition from foreign companies backed by European export-credit agencies.

“Brazil is a powerful emerging market and one of nine key markets where US Ex-Im is focusing its resources to help US exporters realise great opportunities to increase sales and add jobs,” says US Ex-Im’s chairman and president, Fred Hochberg.

“We thank US Ex-Im for its efforts and ability to serve our customers in the fast-growing Brazilian market where more than 100 Sikorsky helicopters are now operating,” says Sikorsky Global Helicopters’ president, Carey Bond.

Since 2004, US Ex-Im has authorised five transactions totalling nearly US$150mn to support Lider Aviação’s acquisition of US-manufactured Sikorsky helicopters and US-manufactured Hawker Beechcraft aircraft.