The aircraft was ordered by Pan American Airways, the start of a long association with Sikorsky flying boats.

[1] The S-36 was a modified and larger version of the earlier S-34 and was designed as a commercial aircraft for six passengers or freight.

It was powered by two Wright Whirlwind J-5 engines and had a crew of two and room for six passengers on two facing bench seats.

One aircraft named Dawn was sold to Mrs. Frances Grayson, a wealthy divorcee, for an attempt to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.

This resulted in the first-ever air relief expedition, including two destroyers and the dirigible USS Los Angeles.