Sikorsky has named Saab as an authorised S-92 helicopter customer support centre. The facility will be based at the Aircontact Aviation Maintenance in Stavanger, Norway, and will offer maintenance services for North Sea operators of S-92 helicopters.

“We are excited to add to our customer support in the North Sea,” says Peter Grant, director of aftermarket operations for Sikorsky. “By becoming a Sikorsky-authorised S-92 centre, Saab validates its ability to assist customers with our growing fleet of more than 240 S-92 helicopters.”

Adds Saab senior vp Jonas Hjelm: “The confidence that Sikorsky places in us to operate its North Sea S-92 customer support centre is testament to our unique technical expertise when it comes to helicopter maintenance and support solutions.

“Our initial commitment will be to provide cost effective maintenance inspections and services in order to ensure high availability of the S-92 helicopters. We look forward to a long-term relationship with both Sikorsky and the S-92 operators in the North Sea region.”

In 2014, Sikorsky celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the S-92 helicopter, which was first delivered in 2004. The fleet has reached more than 800,000 flight hours, with over 90 per cent of those hours providing offshore oil and gas worker transportation. These helicopters also perform search and rescue, heads of state and other transportation missions for utility and airline passengers.