Aviation News – Heli-One has officially launched South America’s first authorized Sikorsky S-92 helicopter Customer Support Center in Brazil to deliver localized maintenance services. This strategic facility will provide critical scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for the region’s expanding fleet of heavy-lift aircraft, significantly reducing operational downtime for offshore and utility operators.
The grand opening marks a foundational milestone in establishing a comprehensive S-92 Center of Excellence in Brazil. Formally authorized by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, the new center represents a coordinated effort between Heli-One, the original equipment manufacturer, and leading aircraft lessor Milestone, an AerCap company. Milestone currently owns 17 of the approximately 40 S-92 helicopters actively operating across the South American continent, making their logistical backing a vital driver for the regional selection and development context of this facility.
The launch directly aligns with Heli-One’s broader long-term strategy to expand its global support network and embed advanced maintenance capabilities closer to operators in high-demand hubs. Prior to this opening, regional operators frequently faced complex logistical hurdles when exporting major components for specialized overhaul. This new infrastructure builds upon decades of deep civilian and military MRO experience, creating a localized supply chain anchor that strengthens original equipment manufacturer partnerships and scales the company’s South American operational footprint.
As a designated heavy-lift aircraft, each S-92 possesses the capability to transport 19 passengers across an operational radius of 200 nautical miles, making it the primary workhorse for Brazil’s demanding offshore oil and gas sectors. The newly established support center functions by providing immediate parts provisioning alongside on-site overhaul and repair capabilities. This technical proximity eliminates long-distance transit times for critical components, allowing flight crews to maintain a high state of mission-ready support and fly complex transit routes with increased mechanical reliability.
