This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

S-92 Helicopters Center of Excellence Opens in Brazil to Support Offshore Energy Sector

On May 27, 2026, Heli-One officially opened the first S-92® helicopter Customer Support Center in Cabo Frio, Brazil. According to an official press release from Lockheed Martin, this new facility serves as the foundational pillar for a comprehensive S-92 Center of Excellence in South America, designed to support the region’s growing fleet of heavy-lift helicopters.

The center is the result of a strategic partnership between Heli-One, Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company), and Milestone Aviation (an AerCap company). We understand from the provided company statements that the facility aims to deliver localized scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, parts provisioning, and overhaul capabilities directly to operators in the region.

With the Brazilian offshore oil and gas sector experiencing significant growth, the demand for reliable offshore transportation has never been higher. This new localized support infrastructure is expected to drastically reduce maintenance turnaround times and ensure mission readiness for the critical S-92 fleet operating off the coast.

Strategic Partnership and Facility Capabilities

The collaboration between Heli-One, Sikorsky, and Milestone Aviation brings together decades of aviation expertise. Heli-One, a division of CHC Helicopter Group and a global leader in helicopter Maintenance, Repair, and MRO, will operate the Cabo Frio center. According to the press release, the company is leveraging its extensive experience supporting Sikorsky fleets in Norway, Canada, and Poland to establish this new South American hub.

Sikorsky, the original equipment manufacturer of the S-92, has officially authorized the center. The manufacturer stated it is investing heavily in local parts stocking and advanced worker training to ensure the facility meets rigorous global standards.

Localized Support for the S-92 Fleet

The Sikorsky S-92 is a heavy-lift helicopter capable of carrying up to 19 passengers with a radius of 200 nautical miles. It is widely utilized globally for offshore oil and gas transportation, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and VIP transport. Currently, there are approximately 40 S-92 aircraft operating in Latin-America, with Milestone Aviation owning 17 of these aircraft.

“As the energy industry extends platforms farther out to sea, and demand for offshore transport grows, it is essential that S-92 operators receive skilled and dedicated support services close to their home base of operations,” stated Leon Silva, Vice President of Sikorsky’s Global Commercial and Advanced Programs, in the official release. “The investment our three companies collectively are planning for the centre of excellence in Cabo Frio will enable us to stock more helicopter parts in Brazil, train workers with the advanced skills to repair parts locally, and meet our goal to increase flight availability for operators.”

Meeting the Demands of Brazil’s Offshore Energy Boom

The strategic location of Cabo Frio serves as a vital logistical hub for Brazil’s offshore energy operations. Major projects by energy giants such as Petrobras and Equinor, including the Peregrino and Bacalhau fields, are driving the need for robust and reliable offshore transport. As energy platforms move further out to sea, the logistical challenges of maintaining transport helicopters increase significantly.

Previously, heavy maintenance or parts provisioning for these aircraft might have required longer downtimes or shipping components overseas. The new Cabo Frio center brings advanced MRO capabilities directly to the operators’ home base, mitigating these logistical hurdles.

“With almost half of the region’s S-92 fleet under our ownership, we see first-hand the aircraft’s proven performance and reliability, alongside the critical importance of strong, locally based support infrastructure following many years of demanding offshore energy operations,” noted Pat Sheedy, President & Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Aviation, in the company’s announcement.

AirPro News analysis

We view the establishment of the Cabo Frio Center of Excellence as a critical step in maturing South America’s aviation support infrastructure. By embedding MRO capabilities closer to the end-user, Heli-One and Sikorsky are directly addressing the supply chain vulnerabilities that have historically plagued deep-water offshore operations. The localized stocking of parts and regional workforce training will not only improve aircraft availability but also provide a notable economic boost to the Cabo Frio region through the creation of highly skilled technical jobs. Furthermore, Milestone Aviation’s backing as a major fleet owner underscores the financial viability and immediate market demand for this facility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the new Cabo Frio center?

Authorized by Sikorsky, the center provides scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, parts provisioning, and overhaul and repair capabilities for S-92 helicopters operating in South America.

How many S-92 helicopters operate in South America?

According to industry data provided in the release, there are approximately 40 S-92 aircraft currently operating in the region.

Who are the primary partners in this venture?

The center is a strategic cooperation between Heli-One (MRO operator), Sikorsky (the aircraft manufacturer), and Milestone Aviation (a leading helicopter leasing company).

Sources

• Lockheed Martin Newsroom