Rotortrade, SKYTRAC sign technical partnership

Rotortrade and SKYTRAC Systems announced a strategic technical partnership covering Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Under the agreement, Rotortrade MRO Tallard (France), Rotortrade MRO Latrobe (Pennsylvania, USA), and Rotortrade Helipark, MRO Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) are designated as authorised SKYTRAC Service Centers. The partnership encompasses the authorised resale of SKYTRAC’s avionics portfolio, certified installation services through Rotortrade’s EASA and FAA Part 145 facilities, and the establishment of regional stocking locations for AOG-critical spare parts and new equipment across three strategic regions. Rotortrade will act as an authorised reseller of SKYTRAC’s avionics systems across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, including broadband and narrowband satellite communication terminals and associated components. Installations will be performed in accordance with SKYTRAC-approved Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and installation documentation, ensuring full compliance with applicable aviation authority requirements and quality standards. The Tallard, Latrobe, and Riyadh facilities will serve as regional stocking hubs for new equipment and AOG spares, enabling rapid dispatch and improved operational continuity for helicopter operators across Europe, North America, and the Gulf region. Component-level repairs will continue to be performed by SKYTRAC, with Rotortrade coordinating logistics, local integration, and customer support. In parallel, the parties have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the development of the initial STC for SKYTRAC’s next-generation SDL broadband satellite communication system. Under this framework, Rotortrade will identify suitable helicopter platforms and operators, provide aircraft access, perform prototype installations at its maintenance centers, and support testing activities. SKYTRAC will lead system engineering, certification development, and liaison with the applicable aviation authorities. Upon certification, Rotortrade will serve as the authorised installation center and reseller for the approved platforms within its respective regions. Rotortrade delivers H145D3 helicopters to Life Flight Network Rotortrade has successfully completed the sale of two 2023 Airbus H145 D3 helicopters to Life Flight Network, one of the leading not-for-profit air medical operators in the United States. Configured in EMS specification with Air Ambulance Technology (AAT) interiors, the aircraft are designed for scene response, over-water interfacility transport, and NVG operations. The two-ship transaction represents Rotortrade’s most significant deal in the U.S. market to date and marks a strategic entry into the highly competitive U.S. EMS segment. Seller and buyer discussions commenced in early September 2025, with the transaction finalised on December 30, 2025 on an EXW basis. The aircraft  arrived at Rotortrade MRO Latrobe in Pennsylvania during week 9, 2026 for U.S. import processing. Following completion of the import phase, the helicopters will undergo additional customisation, including paint, NVG kits, FM radios, flotation equipment, and lighting upgrades, with entry into service expected in September 2026. “This transaction represents a major milestone for Rotortrade,” said Philippe Lubrano, CEO of Rotortrade. “It demonstrates our ability to penetrate the U.S. EMS market with disciplined execution, strong relationship, and full lifecycle support. The role played by our MRO platforms—particularly Latrobe—highlights the strategic importance of our U.S. expansion. We are no longer only facilitating transactions; we are delivering integrated solutions that combine sales, technical oversight, and operational readiness within the same structure.” RotorLease launches US operations Rotortrade announced the official operational launch of RotorLease in 2026 one year after its initial unveiling at Verticon. This launch marks the opening of Rotortrade’s dedicated U.S. leasing business. RotorLease has been established as a structured leasing platform within the United States, designed to originate, manage, and administer leasing transactions as part of Rotortrade’s broader financing strategy. RotorLease enters its operational phase with a dedicated corporate structure and an experienced team of aviation finance and leasing professionals responsible for building and managing a rotorcraft leasing portfolio. While structured in the United States, the platform is designed to support transactions in coordination with Rotortrade’s international network. RotorLease begins operations with an initial portfolio of seven aircraft, comprising Leonardo AW169, Leonardo AW139, and Airbus H145 helicopters. The company has established a medium-term objective to structure its fleet primarily around Airbus H145 and Leonardo AW139 platforms. These aircraft types have been selected based on sustained demand across EMS, offshore, utility, and governmental missions. The company offers operating leases (dry leases) and financial leases structured as lease-to-purchase agreements, with tenures ranging from one year to five- to seven-year mid-term agreements. Through these solutions, RotorLease enables operators to optimize capital allocation while maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. The platform also incorporates structured financing mechanisms, including country-specific compliance frameworks aligned with the Cape Town Convention. RotorLease will operate on a global basis, with progressive deployment across high-demand markets in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. The structure leverages Rotortrade’s international footprint and long-standing relationships with major OEMs to secure access to high-quality assets and ensure strong technical and operational support throughout the aircraft lifecycle. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]