Helicopter provider PHI Aviation has expanded its MRO services, opening them up to external clients. These services will now be delivered out of its facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, as well as being delivered in-field and on-site.

 Managing director Keith Mullett says: “With experience dating back to the beginning of commercial rotary wing flight, PHI is recognised around the world by operators and manufacturers alike as an industry leader in helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services, and now is the time to expand this offering to the wider market.

“With aircraft becoming bigger and more technologically advanced, more businesses are needing specialist level MRO capabilities, and PHI is expertly placed to meet this need. Introducing our MRO services to the market is also a core part of our diversification focus and complements our work in energy, search and rescue, air medical and marine pilot transfers services.

“The value in these services is underpinned by our focus on quality, and strengthens our ability to offer even more value to our customers with seamless, turnkey solutions. As a helicopter service provider ourselves, with an outstanding safety record, we know and understand what's needed to keep aircraft flying at peak performance and can offer that same service to our customers.”

The company's maintenance and repair centre is recognised as an FAA-certified repair station with DAR and DER authorisations. The purpose-built facility offers more than 170,000 sq ft for major inspections, modifications, upgrades, engineering and painting.

COO James Hinch, who lead the overall MRO expansion, adds: “Our teams of expert maintenance technicians are trained and certified to service a wide range of aircraft models and engine types. When you partner with PHI, you get access to more than 70 years of industry-leading MRO experience and expertise. Moreover, the services are competitively priced and aligned with the market.”

As part of the expansion of MRO services, PHI will offer routine maintenance and inspections, pre-buy and lease return inspections and professional paint finishes for a variety of aircraft component types. Aircraft modifications, engineering new solutions and installing complex modifications to existing systems will also be offered with the MRO division able to manage the entire design and build process in-house. There is also a full array of specialised shops onsite at the MRO facility, offering everything from avionics, specialty machining, component overhaul and repair, custom paint, corrosion control, airframe structural support and custom upholstery.

PHI will also leverage its integrated global parts and supply chain knowledge and insight, providing solutions to help further minimise costs and downtime while maximising aircraft availability for customers.