China's State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC) has signed a support-by-hour (SBH) contract with Safran Helicopter Engines, covering its H215 and H225 fleets. This contract formalises a long-term MRO and service agreement supporting four Makila engines. It also includes the renewal of SBH support for 14 Arriel 2D engines powering the operator's fleet of 13 H125 helicopters.

SGGAC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest utility company State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), is mainly responsible for the air construction and maintenance of high voltage power networks. SGGAC is one of Safran Helicopter Engines' important customers in China, and currently operates a fleet of 33 helicopters in total. It is the largest H125 and its engine Arriel 2D operator in Asia, as well as the launch customer of the H215 in China.

Bernard Plaza, Safran Helicopter Engines China CEO, says: “We are proud that SGGAC has renewed its confidence in Safran Helicopter Engines and its SBH support contract, and we look forward to delivering it world-class services and supporting it in its most demanding missions.”

SBH is Safran Helicopter Engines' support-by-the-hour programme. It makes engine operating costs predictable, eliminates cash peaks and allows flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled MRO coverage. It now covers 50 per cent of Safran Helicopter Engines' customer turbines' flying hours. SBH and health monitoring are part of EngineLife Services, Safran's range of solutions for helicopter engines.