Rolls-Royce has added two companies to its FIRST Network, a global listing of authorised facilities providing affordable, reliable support solutions for operators of Rolls-Royce M250 and RR300 engines.

Essential Turbines joins as an authorised maintenance repair and overhaul centre (AMROC). It operates in Montreal, Quebec; Surrey, British Columbia; and Phoenix, Arizona and will be a full feature shop with focus on repair, overhaul and testing of both M250 and RR300 platforms.

Grapevine, Texas-based MASCO Services joins as an authorised repair facility (ARF). MASCO's primary focus will be repairs to the RR300 starter generator.

Rolls-Royce programme director helicopters Scott Cunningham says: “Rolls-Royce welcomes both Essential Turbines and MASCO Services to our global network of authorised service centres. Their specialised skills, commitment to excellence and focus on the customer will further strengthen our FIRST Network, giving operators additional flexibility and competition for local service and support on their Rolls-Royce helicopter engines.”

With more than 16,000 turboshaft and turboprop engines in service and 4,500 customers worldwide, the Rolls-Royce FIRST Network provides M250 and RR300 operators a global network of authorised MRO service centres. It includes more than 30 approved, licensed service centres, and its competitive structure means operators can find affordable and reliable service anywhere for Rolls-Royce M250 or RR300 engines.

The proven Rolls-Royce M250 and RR300 engines have powered more than 275 million flight hours of dependable service around the world. To date, more than 33,000 of these workhorse engines have been delivered to the marketplace.

The M250 and RR300 are manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana where a $600 million Rolls-Royce investment in modernisation and technology programmes was recently completed.