Sikorsky, Heli-One (a division of CHC Helicopter Group), and Milestone Aviation have announced plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for S-92 fleets in Rio de Janeiro. The centre will provide support services and maintenance capabilities to customers of the twin-engine medium-lift helicopter.
Currently, over 30 S-92s operate in Brazil, certified by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency for offshore transportation, search and rescue, regional passenger service, and VIP transportation.
“We are committed to providing our customers with rigorous and dependable capabilities that ensure the continued success of the S-92 helicopter,” said Leon Silva, Vice President of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky. “This initiative combines the best skills, expertise and technologies from across the industry to enable customers to keep their S-92 helicopters in service for longer and maximise operational readiness.”
The centre would specifically aim to provide access to an inventory of supplies and parts, such as gearboxes, blades, and dampers, and offer scheduled maintenance inspections, repair and overhauls.
“The time is right for establishing an S-92 Centre of Excellence in Brazil as more and more customers select the aircraft for their operations, including for rescue and recovery,” commented Tom Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer at CHC Helicopter Group. “By utilising the knowledge of our Heli-One division and working together with Sikorsky and Milestone, we will be able to offer more integrated and efficient support services and maximise availability for the growing S-92 fleet in the region.”
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth of the commercial aviation market in Brazil,” added Pat Sheedy, President and Chief Executive Officer at Milestone. “By combining our expertise with that of Sikorsky and Heli-One, we will be able to provide a more robust and reliable service to our customers, ultimately enhancing the availability and efficiency of their operations.”
Photo: Heli-One
