China-based operator GDAT has signed support-by-the-hour contracts with Safran Helicopter Engines during Chinese president Xi Jinping's state visit to France. These contracts will support the Makila engines powering its fleet of Airbus H225 helicopters as well as the Arrano engines powering the GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) H160 helicopters to be operated by GDAT that will shortly enter service. These two SBH-type contracts cover in-service support and MRO for 140 Arrano 1A and Makila 2A1 engines.

The contracts will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines China, the leading helicopter engine supplier in the country with more than 500 engines in service. In China, one out of every two helicopters is powered by Safran engines, either produced by Safran or under licence.

"GDAT is very pleased to enter into this partnership with Safran Helicopter Engines and we look forward to a long and productive relationship. We want to grow helicopter operations and further develop the China low-altitude economy. The Safran support and partnership will help enable this vision," says group chairman Peter Jiang.

"GDHF welcomes the strength and teamwork of Safran Helicopter Engines, which will help ensure the operational success of our fleet of 50 H160," adds GDHF CEO Michael York.

GDAT is China's leading low-altitude economy company, focusing on helicopter business and operating the largest H225 fleet in the country. It provides helicopter rescue, transport, particularly offshore transport, and aerial work missions. It is also a highly technical helicopter maintenance company. Founded in 2012 and based in Shanghai, GDAT has subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Suzhou and Ningbo.

GDHF is a startup helicopter leasing and finance company based in Dublin, Ireland. A GDAT subsidiary, it plans to rapidly grow a large portfolio of new technology, efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters, including the Arrano-powered H160, and lease them to customers globally.

"We are particularly proud that a leading helicopter company like GDAT Group has placed its trust in us for the operational follow up and MRO of its engines. GDAT Group has an ambitious fleet development strategy, and we're going to support it with the best possible services for its success," says Safran CEO Cédric Goubet.