Trans Aero, a Colorado-based helicopter operator specialising in aeromedical, wildland firefighting, government contracts and utility operations, has taken delivery of a Sikorsky UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopter from Black Widow Helicopters, whose modernisation programme repurposes former military helicopters for fire safety and personal/corporate aircraft markets.

“We are very pleased with the quality of work produced and the professionalism shown by Black Widow Helicopters on such a significant modernisation project”, says president Kevin Shields. “Adding a second Black Hawk to our fleet is a significant event for us.”

The success of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to attack and suppress wildfires in their initial stage has spurred operators globally to evaluate this asset, both as a firefighting tool and a multi-mission aircraft for year-round utility and firefighting missions.

“We are very pleased we could deliver this UH-60A+ Black Hawk to a legacy operator such as Trans Aero. Our ability to modernise US Army BEST programme UH-60 Black Hawk aircraft to local and international customers is an excellent way for clients to quickly acquire a helicopter platform renowned for its reliability, high performance and multi-role versatility,” says vice president for the UH-60 Black Hawk programme Alex Freidin. “The delivery to Trans Aero of this exceptional and unique product highlights the fact that we are witnessing the growth of a new generation of modernised Black Hawk legacy helicopters ready to serve world markets.”

The aircraft will be the second UH-60 Black Hawk in Trans Aero’s fleet and will support firefighting and utility operations.

Shields adds: “The UH-60 is proving to be a tremendous all-in-one aerial firefighting weapon, and this capability brings unmatched multi-mission capability to our fleet and to ultimately protect lives and property.”