Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a contract with The Helicopter and Jet Company (THC) to support Arrano and Arriel engines powering its H160, H125 and H145 fleets. This Support-By-the-Hour (SBH®) contract formalizes a long-term Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and services agreement supporting more than 60 engines.

The Helicopter and Jet Company currently operates a fleet of 30 helicopters offering a wide range of commercial services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including emergency medical service (EMS), aerial work, private charter, aerial photography and filming, and tourism.

Safran Helicopter Engines Support France Managing Director Frédéric Fourciangue said: “This contract marks a new milestone in our partnership with The Helicopter and Jet Company.  THC is a most important provider of helicopter services, with a very strong growth curve. Safran Helicopter Engines will deploy resources locally to support this key actor and we are particularly proud to be its partner”.

Arnaud Martinez, CEO of The Helicopter and Jet Company, said: “We are delighted to have entered this important technical support partnership with Safran for the engines powering our fleet of Airbus helicopters. It is crucial to have the backing and support of the engine manufacturer to ensure maximum reliability and availability of our Safran-powered fleet”.  

SBH® is Safran Helicopter Engines’ support-by-the-hour program. It makes engine operating costs predictable, eliminates cash peaks and allows flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled MRO coverage. It now accounts for 50% of Safran Helicopter Engines’ customer flying hours.

SBH® is part of EngineLife® Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engines.