Héli-Union has announced plans to collaborate with Safran and Leonardo in 2017.
Héli-Union, Safran sign partnership agreement
Héli-Union and Safran have signed a partnership contract for helicopter equipment distribution within the African market, dedicated to Safran’s engines, parts and tools.
The contract covers classic engines up to the Makila model. The distribution area focuses mainly on African countries such as Burkina-Faso, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Congo, Togo and Senegal. The aim of this partnership is to develop Safran’s distribution network.
Being present in the African market for almost 50 years, Héli-Union is a compatible choice for Safran to expand its global reach.
Today, Héli-Union also serves international oil-and-gas companies for offshore personnel transportation through its bases in Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Angola and Tanzania. The combination of Héli-Union’s strong presence together with Safran’s expertise of the manufacture of equipment and subsystem for helicopter engines, allows both French companies to consolidate their value-added positions in Africa and to strengthen their relationship.
Héli-Union has been operating a large fleet of Safran-powered rotorcraft, including the Airbus Helicopters AS332 and H225, and the Sikorsky S-76C series, which are used in offshore transportation missions. Héli-Union is looking forward to the successful growth of their mutual activities in this new market.
HMSA receives Level III maintenance approval from Safran
Helicopteros Marinos SA (HMSA), a subsidiary of Heli-Union in South America, has obtained the approval from Safran Helicopter Engines to perform Level III maintenance for the Arriel engine family in December 2016.
HMSA has sent two of their technicians to receive theoretical formation at Safran’s Canadian location, and the auditing of practical maintenance will take place this month in HMSA’s homebase.
With this approval, HMSA will be able to perform additional maintenance activities such as Arriel TU360 application. HMSA is proud to extend their client reach and enhance their services for customers operating in South America.
Heli-Union, Leonardo to modify AW139
Finally, Héli-Union announced that it is collaborating with Leonardo, Malaysia to modify another one of Héli-Union’s AW139 helicopters from 6,800 kilograms to 7,000 kilograms. The 200 kilogram increase allows the aircraft to be in the same level as other large aircraft types.
This is not Héli-Union’s first upgrade of its AW139s. This soon-to-be modified AW139 will join two other Héli-Union AW139s that have been previously configured to seven tonnes.
The modification will be performed jointly by the two companies in Leonardo Malaysia base. Héli-Union sent three of its dedicated engineers specialized in B1-Mechanics and B2-Avionics to carry out the assignment at the Leonardo, Malaysia base. With access to the hangar and tools, the three Héli-Union engineers will be working together with several other engineers of Leonardo, Malaysia.
The newly modified AW139 helicopter will be put in action for an offshore personnel transportation mission for one of Héli-Union oil-and-gas clients in Myanmar.
In 2015, AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) chose Héli-Union to unveil a seven-tonne version of its AW139 medium twin-engine helicopter. After modifications, the helicopter will be able to load 12 passengers with a radius of action of 305 kilometers or 426 kilometers with eight passengers.
The aircraft itself retains key operating and performance features, including a temperature envelop at sea level -40° to +50° and up to sea state six ditching capability.
