Sikorsky, CHC Helicopter Group’s MRO division Heli-One and helicopter lessor Milestone Aviation are collaborating to establish a centre of excellence for the S-92 in Brazil. The facility, to be located in Rio de Janeiro, will aim to support regional S-92 fleets through improved maintenance services and access to parts.

The initiative is targeting rescue and recovery operations in particular, with the companies pooling expertise in logistics, supply chain access and scheduled maintenance.

Leon Silva, vice president of global commercial and military systems at Sikorsky, says: “We are committed to providing our customers with rigorous and dependable capabilities that ensure the continued success of the S-92 helicopter. This initiative combines the best skills, expertise and technologies from across the industry to enable customers to keep their S-92 helicopters in service for longer and maximise operational readiness.”

Tom Burke, president and CEO of CHC Helicopter Group, says: “The time is right for establishing an S-92 centre of excellence in Brazil as more and more customers select the aircraft for their operations, including for rescue and recovery.”

Milestone president and CEO Pat Sheedy adds: “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth of the commercial aviation market in Brazil.”

Future services may include access to key parts such as gearboxes and blades, plus logistics improvements. The plan awaits internal approvals before full details are finalised.

More than 30 S-92 aircraft are already operating in Brazil, supported by a Sikorsky forward stocking location near Rio’s main operators.