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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the purpose of the Center of Excellence in Brazil? Who will lead the operations of the CoE? How many S-92 helicopters operate in Brazil? Why is the S-92 important for Brazil’s offshore sector? What challenges does the CoE aim to address?
Strategic Cooperation: Sikorsky, Heli-One, and Milestone Establish S-92® Helicopter Center of Excellence in Brazil
Background: The S-92 and Its Role in Brazil
About the Partners
The Center of Excellence Initiative
Strategic Importance for Brazil
Global Industry Context
Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
The CoE aims to provide localized maintenance, repair, and supply chain services for the S-92 helicopter fleet operating in Brazil and South America.
Heli-One, the MRO division of CHC Helicopter Group, will lead the CoE operations in Rio de Janeiro.
Over 30 S-92 helicopters are currently in operation in Brazil, primarily supporting offshore oil and gas missions.
The S-92 provides reliable transport for personnel and equipment to offshore oil platforms, which are often located far from the mainland.
The CoE addresses parts shortages, long maintenance cycles, and the need for faster, localized support to reduce fleet downtime.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin