US helicopter manufacturer Enstrom Helicopter declared bankruptcy yesterday. As of today, January 21, work activities at the plants in Menominee, Michigan, are suspended. All of the company's employees, including managers, are currently out of work. The reason for the closure is "financial difficulties" that have forced the Chinese owner Chongqing General Aviation Industry Group to close its doors. A glimmer of hope remains in a letter sent by the company to customers.

"All existing contracts and agreements will become null and void. Enstrom knows that you all have customers you are supporting and that this will put you and your users in a difficult position. We apologize. The management team is aware of several groups that have expressed strong interest in purchasing our products and reopening the company after bankruptcy. While we have no control over how and when this might happen, we believe it is highly likely that a new Enstrom will be able to support you and your customers relatively quickly", communicated the manufacturer's director of sales, Dennis Martin.