This article is based on an official press release from B&H Worldwide.

B&H Worldwide and Continental Carriers Execute Complex Bell 429 Logistics Operation

B&H Worldwide, a global leader in aerospace logistics, has successfully coordinated the transport of a Bell 429 helicopters from India to Singapore. Announced on December 23, 2025, the operation involved a strategic partnership with Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd. to return the aircraft to Bell Textron’s regional hub for scheduled MRO and inspection.

The movement highlights the specialized nature of rotary-wing logistics, which often requires disassembly and precise handling unlike standard fixed-wing aircraft transfers. According to the company’s announcement, the project underscores the growing connectivity between Indian aviation operators and Singapore’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector.

Operational Breakdown: From India to Singapore

Moving a helicopter across international borders for maintenance involves significant technical planning. For this operation, the Bell 429 was dismantled into seven distinct cargo pieces to fit aboard a B747F freighter. The logistics process was split between two primary teams to ensure safety and compliance at both the origin and destination.

Origin Logistics in India

Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd., a long-standing partner of B&H Worldwide, managed the ground operations in India. Their responsibilities included the physical teardown of the helicopter, pallet build-up, and coordination with the loadmaster to secure the high-value asset for air freight. The firm utilized its expertise in aerospace and defense logistics to navigate the regulatory landscape and prepare the cargo for export.

Destination Logistics in Singapore

Upon arrival in Singapore, B&H Worldwide took control of the shipment. The company managed import customs clearance and arranged for specialized ground transport. To mitigate the risk of damage from vibration or shock, the team utilized an air-ride suspension transporter for the final leg of the journey to the Bell Textron facility at Seletar Aerospace Park.

Terry Ooi, Operations Manager for B&H Worldwide Singapore, emphasized the necessity of pre-planning in helicopter logistics:

“Helicopter logistics demand a different level of planning and coordination, particularly at destination. By identifying site limitations and handling requirements early, we can eliminate unnecessary risk.”

Terry Ooi, Operations Manager, B&H Worldwide Singapore

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The Singapore team conducted pre-arrival site surveys to verify vehicle height limitations and ensure that appropriate tie-down expertise was available for safe unloading at the MRO facility.

Strategic Context: Singapore as a Regional MRO Hub

The destination for the Bell 429 was Bell Textron’s facility at Seletar Aerospace Park, a specialized industrial zone designed to cluster aerospace companies. This facility serves as a critical node for the Asia-Pacific region, offering maintenance, customization, and re-assembly services.

The operation reflects a broader industry trend where regional operators rely on centralized hubs like Singapore for heavy maintenance that cannot be performed locally. The Bell 429, a popular light twin-engine helicopter used for corporate transport and emergency services across Asia, requires consistent high-level support, driving demand for these complex logistics solutions.

AirPro News Analysis

This operation illustrates that modern aerospace logistics has evolved beyond simple transportation into a discipline of risk management and engineering. The requirement to dismantle an aircraft into seven pieces and reassemble it in a different country demonstrates the tight integration required between logistics providers and MRO facilities.

Furthermore, the collaboration between a UK-headquartered logistics provider (B&H), an Indian freight forwarder (Continental Carriers), and a Singaporean service center (Bell Textron) highlights the interdependence of the Asian aerospace supply chain. As the fleet of rotary-wing aircraft grows in the region, we expect to see an increase in demand for “white-glove” logistics services that can handle sensitive air-ride requirements and complex customs procedures.

Sources

• B&H Worldwide Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Heli-One.

Leonardo Extends Maintenance Partnership with Heli-One for Norway’s AW101 SAR Fleet

Leonardo has officially extended its contract with Heli-One to provide critical MRO services for the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNoAF) fleet of AW101 search and rescue helicopters. According to the announcement, the agreement secures support for the “SAR Queen” fleet through 2030, ensuring operational readiness for one of the world’s most demanding rescue environments.

The extension reinforces a strategic collaboration between the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Leonardo, and Heli-One, a leading provider of helicopter MRO services. Under the terms of the agreement, Heli-One technicians will continue to work as embedded support alongside Leonardo personnel at RNoAF bases. This integrated approach is designed to maintain 24/7 fleet availability for the 330 Squadron, which operates the aircraft across Norway’s challenging terrain and maritime zones.

Contract Scope and Operational Support

The renewed contract focuses on delivering comprehensive support for the 16 AW101-612 helicopters that now form the backbone of Norway’s National All-Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) program. Heli-One’s role involves a mix of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aimed at minimizing downtime and maximizing mission availability.

According to the press release, the partnership leverages Heli-One’s specialized experience in the North Sea region. By embedding Norwegian maintenance specialists directly at the operating bases, the program ensures that technical expertise is available on-site to address issues immediately. This logistics model is essential for maintaining the high readiness rates required for life-saving missions in the Arctic and North Sea.

Executive Commentary

Executives from both companies emphasized the importance of local expertise and long-term collaboration in securing the contract extension.

“Our team has decades of experience maintaining helicopters based in the North Sea and we are fully committed to applying our expertise in support of the AW101 SAR Queen.”

— Carolyn Forsyth, General Manager of Sales & Commercial, Heli-One

Mark Goddard, Head of Customer Service Management at Leonardo UK, highlighted the historical depth of the relationship with the Norwegian defense sector.

“We are honored to support 330 Squadron and the Royal Norwegian Air Force as they carry out life-saving search-and-rescue operations… Our association with the Norwegian defence sector goes back 50 years.”

— Mark Goddard, Leonardo UK

The AW101 “SAR Queen” and NAWSARH Program

The extension comes as the RNoAF completes its transition from the legacy Westland Sea King fleet to the modern AW101-612. The transition, which concluded in late 2024 with the activation of the Florø base, marks a significant upgrade in Norway’s national rescue capabilities.

Advanced Technical Capabilities

The AW101 “SAR Queen” is widely regarded as the most advanced search and rescue helicopter currently in operation. Customized specifically for Norwegian requirements, the aircraft features several cutting-edge technologies:

• Osprey AESA Radar: The Leonardo Osprey radar provides 360-degree coverage using fixed panels, eliminating moving parts. This allows crews to detect small targets, such as a person in the water, even in severe weather conditions.
• Mobile Phone Detection: A specialized system can geolocate a missing person’s mobile phone from the air, effectively turning the device into a distress beacon even in areas without cellular coverage.
• All-Weather Performance: A full ice protection system enables the aircraft to fly in known icing conditions, a mandatory capability for Norwegian winters.
• Range and Capacity: The aircraft can accommodate over 50 standing survivors and has a radius of action of approximately 266 nautical miles, significantly outperforming the retired Sea King fleet.

Strategic Basing

To cover Norway’s extensive coastline and territory, the fleet operates from six strategic bases. Sola serves as the headquarters, with additional operations at Ørland, Banak (Lakselv), Bodø, Rygge, and Florø. The dispersed basing strategy ensures that the 330 Squadron can respond rapidly to emergencies anywhere in the country or the surrounding seas.

AirPro News Analysis

This contract extension highlights a broader trend in military aviation logistics: the “hybrid” support model. Rather than relying solely on military maintainers or distant OEM support, defense forces are increasingly utilizing embedded commercial contractors. In this case, Leonardo (the OEM) contracting Heli-One (a local MRO expert) provides the RNoAF with the best of both worlds, access to proprietary engineering data and local, environment-specific maintenance know-how.

The North Sea is notoriously corrosive and harsh on airframes. Heli-One’s background in offshore oil and gas helicopter support likely played a decisive role in Leonardo’s decision to extend the partnership. For the RNoAF, this continuity is vital. With the Sea King now fully retired, the AW101 is the sole platform for national SAR; any gap in maintenance availability would directly impact public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract extension?

The contract between Leonardo and Heli-One has been extended through 2030.

How many helicopters are covered by this agreement?

The agreement covers the maintenance of all 16 AW101-612 “SAR Queen” helicopters operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

What is the role of Heli-One in this partnership?

Heli-One provides embedded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, working alongside Leonardo staff at RNoAF bases to ensure fleet readiness.

Where are the AW101 helicopters based?

The fleet operates from six bases across Norway: Sola (HQ), Ørland, Banak, Bodø, Rygge, and Florø.

Sources: Heli-One

This article summarizes reporting by KSAL News.

SkyWest Airlines Plans New Maintenance Facility at Salina Regional Airport

SkyWest Airlines, a major regional carrier operating United Express flights, has announced plans to establish a new aircraft maintenance facility at Salina Regional Airport (SLN) in Kansas. According to reporting by KSAL News, the new facility is projected to be operational by early spring 2026. This development marks a significant expansion of the airline’s footprint in the region, building upon existing partnerships and a surge in local passenger demand.

The project represents a collaborative effort involving the Kansas Department of Commerce, the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Airport Authority (SAA), and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. Officials indicate that the facility will focus on overnight maintenance for SkyWest’s fleet, specifically the regional jets, such as the CRJ and E175 series, utilized for United Express operations.

Operational Details and Timeline

Scope of Work

The primary function of the new base will be to perform overnight maintenance, ensuring aircraft are ready for daily schedules. While specific lease or construction details were not fully disclosed in the initial announcement, the timeline suggests a rapid integration into the airport’s existing infrastructure. Salina Regional Airport is known for its large-capacity hangars, including “Hangar 959” and “Hangar 626,” which have previously supported Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) expansions.

According to KSAL News, the facility is expected to generate “several new, high-paying jobs,” with a focus on aircraft maintenance technicians and support staff. Recruitment for positions such as “Airport Agent” and “Facility Maintenance Generalist” is reportedly already underway.

Strategic Context

This move formalizes a growing relationship between the airline and the municipality. SkyWest currently operates daily United Express flights connecting Salina to major hubs including Denver (DEN), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Houston (IAH). Data cited in the report highlights a sharp increase in demand; passenger enplanements at SLN rose by 51% year-over-year in November 2025 compared to the previous year.

Furthermore, board minutes from the Salina Airport Authority in November 2024 indicated that local MRO provider 1 Vision Aviation had already begun performing overnight work for SkyWest, with plans to service up to three aircraft nightly by spring 2025. The new facility appears to be the next logical step in this operational ramp-up.

Economic Impact and Workforce Development

Regional Economic Contribution

The aviation sector is a cornerstone of the Salina economy. A 2024 study by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, referenced in supporting reports, estimates that the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center generate approximately $1.62 billion in total annual economic activity. The complex supports over 12,300 jobs, representing roughly 31% of all employment in Saline County.

The Education Pipeline

A critical factor in the location decision appears to be the proximity of the Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. Located adjacent to the airport, the campus recently secured $28 million in federal funding to construct a new Aerospace Education Hub. This proximity creates a direct pipeline of trained aviation mechanics and technicians who can transition immediately from education to employment at the new facility.

“SkyWest’s decision to establish a maintenance base in Salina reflects Kansas’ ability to compete and deliver for world-class aviation partners. We’ve made deliberate investments in workforce, infrastructure, and airport readiness, and this announcement shows that those efforts are paying off.”

— Joshua Jefferson, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department of Commerce (via KSAL News)

AirPro News Analysis

The decision by SkyWest to entrench maintenance operations in Salina underscores a broader industry trend where regional airlines are seeking to decentralize maintenance to avoid congestion at major hubs. By utilizing Salina, a “spoke” in the United Express network, SkyWest can perform essential overnight maintenance without occupying valuable hangar space at major international airports like Denver or Chicago.

Additionally, the synergy between the airport and K-State Salina offers a strategic advantage that few regional airports can match. In an industry facing a chronic shortage of qualified mechanics, positioning a maintenance base within walking distance of a federally funded aerospace education hub is a calculated move to secure a long-term labor supply.

Sources

• KSAL News
• Salina Airport Authority
• AirlineGeeks
• General Aviation News