MRO & Manufacturing
Sikorsky and Partners Open S-92 Helicopter Center of Excellence in Brazil
Sikorsky, Heli-One, and Milestone launch an S-92 Helicopter Center of Excellence in Brazil to enhance maintenance and reduce downtime.
Strategic Cooperation: Sikorsky, Heli-One, and Milestone Establish S-92® Helicopter Center of Excellence in Brazil
In a strategic move reflecting the evolving needs of the global Helicopters services industry, Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company), Heli-One (a division of CHC Helicopter Group), and Milestone Aviation announced on July 24, 2025, the creation of a Center of Excellence (CoE) for S-92® helicopters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initiative is designed to strengthen operational support across South America, enhancing maintenance capabilities and reducing fleet downtime for one of the most widely used helicopters in offshore oil and gas missions.
This collaboration addresses a growing demand in Brazil’s offshore energy sector, where the S-92 has become a critical asset for crew transport and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. With over 30 S-92 helicopters currently operating in the region, the establishment of a dedicated CoE marks a significant step toward localized, efficient, and scalable maintenance and logistics support.
The announcement also aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing the importance of regional maintenance hubs to mitigate supply chain challenges and improve aircraft availability. As operators face increasing logistical complexities, this initiative aims to provide timely access to parts, technical expertise, and scheduled maintenance services, all within Brazil’s borders.
Background: The S-92 and Its Role in Brazil
Developed by Sikorsky and introduced in 2004, the S-92 helicopter is a twin-engine, medium-lift aircraft known for its robust safety credentials and versatility. With more than 2.2 million fleet flight hours logged globally, the S-92 supports a range of missions, including offshore oil transport, executive transport, and SAR operations. Its performance in high-demand environments has made it a preferred choice for operators in regions with expansive offshore energy infrastructure.
In Brazil, the S-92 plays a vital role in supporting the operations of Petrobras, the state-owned oil company, and other operators such as CHC Brazil, Lider Aviation, and Omni Helicopters. These helicopters are primarily used to ferry personnel between the mainland and offshore oil platforms located in deepwater fields, including the pre-salt reserves off the southeast coast.
Before the CoE initiative, support for the S-92 fleet in Brazil was limited to a Forward Stocking Location (FSL) in Rio de Janeiro. While helpful, this setup lacked the embedded maintenance and repair capabilities required for rapid response and high availability. Maintenance tasks often required international logistics, contributing to longer downtimes and increased operational costs.
About the Partners
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is the original equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of the S-92. The company has consistently invested in technological upgrades to improve the helicopter’s safety and performance. One such innovation is the Phase IV main gearbox, designed to eliminate “land immediately” requirements during oil-loss emergencies.
Heli-One is the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) arm of CHC Helicopter Group. With over two decades of experience and support for more than 250 aircraft globally, Heli-One brings extensive technical knowledge and infrastructure to the CoE. It will lead the operations of the new center in Rio de Janeiro.
Milestone Aviation is the world’s leading helicopter leasing company, financing fleets for operators worldwide. In Brazil, Milestone recently leased seven helicopters, including S-92s, to Omni Helicopters International for Petrobras-related missions. This marks Milestone’s first major placement in the Brazilian market.
The Center of Excellence Initiative
The newly announced Center of Excellence will be based in Rio de Janeiro and led by Heli-One. It is designed to provide comprehensive support for the S-92 fleet in Brazil and across South America. The center will offer services such as access to critical spare parts, scheduled maintenance, and optimized supply chain solutions.
The CoE aims to reduce aircraft downtime and improve mission readiness by embedding services closer to operators. Key components like gearboxes, main rotor blades, and dampers will be stocked locally, allowing for quicker turnaround times on maintenance and repairs. This localized approach is expected to alleviate the parts supply bottlenecks that have affected global S-92 operations in recent years.
According to the announcement, the CoE will also integrate Sikorsky’s Phase IV gearbox technology, which is currently undergoing certification. This upgrade enhances the safety profile of the S-92 and reflects a broader commitment to continuous improvement and fleet modernization.
“We are committed to providing rigorous and dependable capabilities that ensure the continued success of the S-92 helicopter,” said Leon Silva, VP of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky.
Strategic Importance for Brazil
Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector is among the most active in the world, with Petrobras leading exploration and production in deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields. The logistical demands of these operations necessitate reliable helicopter transport, especially for platforms located hundreds of kilometers offshore.
CHC Brazil, one of the major operators of the S-92 in the region, recently secured two new contracts with Petrobras for operations in the Roncador field. These Contracts have led to a 33% expansion of CHC’s local fleet, underlining the growing reliance on the S-92 platform.
With over 30 S-92 aircraft operating in Brazil, the CoE is poised to become a critical asset in maintaining fleet availability and operational continuity. By reducing the need for international logistics, the center supports Brazil’s broader goal of developing self-sustaining aerospace capabilities.
Global Industry Context
Globally, the helicopter MRO industry is experiencing transformation, driven by increasing fleet sizes and the need for faster maintenance turnaround. The civil helicopter MRO market is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2025, with Latin America identified as a high-growth region due to expanding offshore energy activities.
The S-92 has faced challenges in recent years, including parts shortages and long maintenance cycles. In 2024, it was reported that up to 7% of the global S-92 fleet was grounded due to Supply-Chain constraints. These challenges have prompted OEMs and MRO providers to rethink support strategies, leading to the emergence of regional Centers of Excellence.
StandardAero’s MRO facilities in Canada serve as an example of this trend, consolidating services to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. The new CoE in Brazil follows a similar model, tailored to the specific needs of the South American market and its offshore energy sector.
“The time is right for establishing an S-92 Center of Excellence in Brazil as more customers select the aircraft for rescue and recovery,” said Tom Burke, CEO of CHC Helicopter Group.
Future Outlook
The establishment of the CoE represents a long-term investment in the sustainability of Brazil’s helicopter operations. As offshore energy projects expand and become more complex, the demand for reliable aerial transport will only increase. The CoE positions Brazil as a regional hub for S-92 support, potentially attracting additional operators and investment.
Moreover, the Partnerships between Sikorsky, Heli-One, and Milestone demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing industry-wide challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, the companies aim to set a benchmark for future MRO collaborations in the region and beyond.
While the initiative is still subject to internal approvals, its successful implementation could serve as a model for other regions facing similar logistical and operational constraints.
Conclusion
The strategic cooperation between Sikorsky, Heli-One, and Milestone to establish a Center of Excellence for S-92 helicopters in Brazil marks a significant milestone for the region’s aviation and energy sectors. By localizing critical maintenance and supply chain services, the initiative aims to enhance fleet readiness, reduce downtime, and support the growing demands of offshore operations.
As the global helicopter industry continues to evolve, the Brazilian CoE could become a blueprint for how OEMs, MRO providers, and lessors collaborate to deliver integrated, efficient, and reliable support solutions. The move underscores the importance of regional hubs in meeting the operational needs of modern aviation fleets.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Center of Excellence in Brazil?
The CoE aims to provide localized maintenance, repair, and supply chain services for the S-92 helicopter fleet operating in Brazil and South America.
Who will lead the operations of the CoE?
Heli-One, the MRO division of CHC Helicopter Group, will lead the CoE operations in Rio de Janeiro.
How many S-92 helicopters operate in Brazil?
Over 30 S-92 helicopters are currently in operation in Brazil, primarily supporting offshore oil and gas missions.
Why is the S-92 important for Brazil’s offshore sector?
The S-92 provides reliable transport for personnel and equipment to offshore oil platforms, which are often located far from the mainland.
What challenges does the CoE aim to address?
The CoE addresses parts shortages, long maintenance cycles, and the need for faster, localized support to reduce fleet downtime.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
MRO & Manufacturing
Ornge Goes Paperless with Ramco Digital Maintenance Platform
Ontario air ambulance provider Ornge completes paperless maintenance transition using Ramco Systems, meeting Transport Canada compliance requirements.
Ontario-based air ambulance provider Ornge has transitioned its maintenance operations to a fully paperless workflow across all bases following the implementation of Ramco Systems’ digital maintenance platforms.
Announced in an August 25, 2026, press release, the transition utilizes Ramco’s Digital Task Card with eSign-off and the Mechanic Anywhere Mobile Application. The system supports Ornge’s fleet of Leonardo AW-139 helicopters and Pilatus PC-12 fixed-wing Commercial-Aircraft, meeting Transport Canada (TC) compliance requirements for digital maintenance sign-offs.
Modernizing maintenance execution
The shift replaces traditional paper-based task cards with a mobile-enabled system, allowing Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to execute and sign off on tasks in real time. The integration is designed to streamline turnaround times for the critical air ambulance fleet.
“In addition to helping us go paperless, Ramco’s Digital Task Card and Mechanic Anywhere app is well positioned to help us in our efforts to ensure timely maintenance turnaround times,” said Robert Zwanenburg, Technical Services Manager at Ornge.
Zwanenburg noted the importance of providing front-line crews with accessible tools regardless of their working location, ensuring that maintenance personnel can update records directly from the hangar floor or flight line.
Broader industry shift toward digital MRO
The Ornge implementation aligns with a wider aviation industry trend of adopting digital Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) platforms. Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer for Aviation, Aerospace & Defense at Ramco Systems, stated that aviation maintenance is moving toward a mobile-first future, citing the Ornge deployment as a practical example of this shift.
Ramco Systems has recently expanded its footprint in the aviation software sector. On August 24, 2026, the company announced a contract with Royal Jordanian Airlines to modernize its fleet maintenance and engineering operations. Earlier in the month, on August 20, 2026, FAA- and EASA-certified engine MRO provider Pem-Air also selected Ramco Aviation Software to manage its maintenance operations and transition toward paperless workflows.
AirPro News analysis
We view the digitization of maintenance records as a critical operational upgrade for specialized operators like Ornge. Air ambulance services require high dispatch reliability, and reducing the administrative friction of paper-based compliance can directly impact aircraft availability. Transport Canada’s acceptance of digital sign-offs enables operators to maintain strict regulatory Compliance while accelerating the return-to-service process for both rotary and fixed-wing assets.
Sources: Ramco Systems
Photo Credit: Ramco Systems
MRO & Manufacturing
Textron Aviation Earns CASA Part 145 Approval in Australia
Textron Aviation secures CASA Part 145 certification for three Australian service centers supporting 1,400+ aircraft.
Textron Aviation has secured Part 145 approval from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), authorizing the manufacturer to provide factory-direct maintenance and overhaul services across its three company-owned Australian facilities.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the certification establishes one of the most comprehensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support networks in the country. The approval covers Textron Aviation service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and the Gold Coast, enabling the company to support a regional fleet of more than 1,400 Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft.
Expanding the Asia-Pacific footprint
The CASA Part 145 certification represents the culmination of a multi-year expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific market. On January 6, 2020, Textron Aviation acquired Australian maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider Premiair Aviation Maintenance.
The manufacturer officially rebranded the acquired facilities to Textron Aviation Australia on June 12, 2024, integrating them into a global network that includes more than 300 authorized service facilities and over 40 mobile service units.
Earlier this year, on May 5, 2026, the company opened a purpose-built, 35,000-square-foot service center at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne. This new facility more than doubled the company’s previous maintenance capacity in the city, setting the stage for the regulatory approval required to operate as a fully certified OEM maintenance organization.
Factory-direct service capabilities
With the regulatory approval now in place, Textron Aviation can perform a wider range of services directly rather than relying on third-party MRO providers. The CASA Part 145 certificate verifies that the company’s maintenance organization meets Australia’s stringent aviation safety and quality standards.
The authorization permits the facilities to conduct routine maintenance, complex modifications, and full overhauls. It also enhances the company’s ability to dispatch aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support for operators experiencing unscheduled maintenance events across the continent.
AirPro News analysis
We view this regulatory milestone as a critical step in Textron Aviation’s strategy to capture more aftermarket revenue while tightening its relationship with Asia-Pacific operators. By bringing former third-party MRO operations fully under the corporate umbrella and securing the necessary CASA approvals, the manufacturer ensures that Australian owners of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft remain within the factory service ecosystem. This localized, factory-direct model reduces downtime for operators and provides Textron Aviation with a stable, long-term revenue stream in a geographically isolated but highly active business aviation market.
Sources: Textron Aviation
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
Electra Invests $850M in Ohio Plant for EL9 Aircraft
Electra commits $850M to build an EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft facility in Springfield, Ohio, targeting 400 aircraft per year.
Electra has committed $850 million to build its first scaled manufacturing facility in Springfield, Ohio, where the company will produce its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The investment is projected to generate 1,975 jobs in Clark County and marks the transition of the nine-passenger aircraft from development to commercial production.
Announced on July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement with JobsOhio and state officials places the new plant at AirPark Ohio, adjacent to the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport. The EL9, which traces its origins to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) class project, utilizes blown-lift technology to operate from unconventional spaces.
Production capacity and regional impact
The Springfield facility will initially support a production rate of 400 aircraft per year. Electra plans to eventually double this capacity to 800 airframes annually as the program matures and market demand dictates.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the state’s historical ties to aviation and its current focus on advanced air mobility (AAM) manufacturing.
“Ohio is where flight began, and the Dayton-Springfield area has become the national epicenter for advanced air mobility,” DeWine stated in a press release. “Electra’s decision to bring nearly 2,000 new jobs to Springfield will be transformative for Clark County.”
Electra CEO Marc Allen emphasized the importance of the Ohio site selection for the program’s next phase, noting the region’s established aerospace and defense ecosystem.
“This agreement is the moment that our vision moves from demonstration into reality,” Allen said. “In Springfield and Clark County, we found the rare combination this next era requires: a ready site, a skilled workforce, a deep aerospace and defense ecosystem, and state and local leaders with the commitment and vision to build it with us.”
Aircraft capabilities and recent milestones
The EL9 Ultra Short is designed to carry nine passengers and requires a minimum runway length of just 150 feet for takeoff and landing. Electra refers to this operational model as “Direct Aviation,” targeting point-to-point transport using infrastructure such as parking lots, barges, and sports fields rather than traditional airport runways.
The aircraft’s development has accelerated in recent weeks. On July 10, 2026, Electra reached an initial certification milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Five days later, the manufacturer finalized an agreement with Safran to develop and produce the TG600 Turbogenerator, which will power the EL9.
An August 25, 2026, feature published by MIT News detailed the aircraft’s academic roots, noting its evolution from a classroom concept to a fully funded commercial program.
AirPro News analysis
We view Electra’s $850 million manufacturing commitment as a critical indicator of maturity in the hybrid-electric aviation sector. While much of the advanced air mobility industry has focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs, Electra’s blown-lift, fixed-wing approach offers a distinct payload and range profile while still minimizing infrastructure requirements. Securing a dedicated production facility with substantial state backing suggests the company is successfully navigating the transition from prototyping to industrialization, a phase that has historically challenged new aerospace entrants.
Sources: MIT News, Electra Newsroom
Photo Credit: Electra
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