CHC Helicopter has incorporated ITP Aero's DigitAI Aero system to monitor helicopter engine performance and improve predictive maintenance capabilities. The AI-driven solution processes large volumes of flight data, detecting potential engine issues early.

CHC’s Sikorsky S-92 fleet generates over three million data points per flight hour, while the Leonardo AW139 produces one million and the Leonardo AW189 exceeds six million. DigitAI Aero analyses these in real time, enabling earlier identification of maintenance needs. Additionally, S-92 and AW139 engines will undergo daily diagnostics with specialised tools.

Miguel Carrasco, SVP technical operations at CHC Helicopter, says integrating DigitAI Aero enhances predictive maintenance, improves safety and allows for better operational planning. Director strategic sourcing, categories and licensing Barry van der Ark notes that CHC worked closely with AI providers and internal teams to bring this innovation to the industry.

DigitAI Aero services manager Daniel Barredo highlights CHC's history of early adoption, stating that its use of AI builds on decades of data-driven maintenance. He notes that over 214,473 S-92 flights have been analysed, helping to pre-empt more than 100 engine events and reducing AOG instances.