To reinforce its fleet of helicopters for the oil and gas industry, Lider Aviacao has just taken delivery of another Sikorsky S-92A. This is the 16th aircraft of this model in the company's fleet and will be used to transport passengers and cargo to offshore units.

The new aircraft will begin operating in October, when two new contracts begin: one will use an S92A aircraft already available in the fleet while the other contract will serviced by this newcomer.

The S-92A is a large helicopter with capacity for up to 21 people, is over 20 metres long and five metres wide and can carry up to 12 tons of weight. Líder's S-92A will be based at Jacarepaguá airport in Rio de Janeiro and will operate in support of offshore pre-salt exploration and production units in the Santos Basin.

The global fleet of Sikorsky S-92s has already exceeded two million flight hours in diverse missions in 28 countries, and the model is recognised for its high capacity for transporting cargo and passengers, with comfort and safety.

“We already have extensive experience operating the S-92A, with both pilot and maintenance professionals who have in-depth knowledge of this model, which makes missions more agile and safe, meeting the demands of oil and gas customers with excellence,” explains Diego Reis, general director of Lider Aviacao's offshore operations unit.

The S-92A arrived in Brazil via sea transport and has been sent to the Lider Aviacao hangar in Macaé, where it will be prepared to begin operations in October.

Lider Aviacao is a pioneer in the operation of helicopters for the oil and gas industry in Brazil. It has been operating in this market for over 50 years and has flown over one million hours. The company offers air transport for offshore and onshore missions, aerial inspection of transmission lines and pipelines, air medical transport and sale of spot and chartered helicopters.

Líder's current fleet, dedicated exclusively to serving the oil and gas industry, consists of 41 helicopters, with models such as the Bell 212, Sikorsky S-76-C+/ S-76-C++, Sikorsky S-92A, AW139, Airbus H135 and Airbus H145. In the field of helicopter maintenance, the company is an authorised service centre for Bell Helicopters and is approved by manufacturers Leonardo, Airbus and Sikorsky. Its portfolio also includes blade repair services with CTB (Composite Technology do Brasil), a joint venture between CTI (a Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin company), a reference in the global blade repair market, and Lider Aviacao.