Offshore oil and gas rotary operator Bristow Group has signed a support by the hour (SBH) contract with Turbomeca covering Makila and Arriel engines. The contract covers approximately 150 engines from these two families and will be supported by Turbomeca's Fareham, UK-based subsidiary.

Bristow operates a large fleet of Turbomeca-powered rotorcraft which includes the H155 and S-76C series. Over the past 25 years it has entered into a number of similar agreements with the powerplant manufacturer.

Bristow group vp and chief technical officer John Cloggie says: “We are delighted to partner with Turbomeca for the continuing support and maintenance of our Makila and Arriel engines. It offers world-class services, and over the years the SBH package has proved successful in providing engine availability at a predictable cost per flight hour.”

This five-year agreement enables Bristow to pay per flight hour used, and in return it will receive comprehensive product support for the engines, resulting in enhanced availability and flexibility.