Safran Helicopter Engines and PhilJets Aero Services Inc (PhilJets) have signed a new Support-By-the-Hour (SBH) contract for the Arrano engine. PhilJets, the Certified Distributor Centre for Safran in the Philippines, and Safran Helicopter Engines (Safran HE) have solidified their three years collaboration through this strategic agreement.
PhilJets and Safran are partnering to launch the entry into service of the Arrano engine, set to power the soon-to-be-delivered first Airbus H160 in the region.
PhilJets’ founder Thierry Tea and Safran HE Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Valerie Patuel, reiterated the firm commitment of both companies to deepen their collaboration in supporting helicopter owners and operators in the Philippines.
Patuel, said: “We are very pleased to have the first H160 customer in this region supported with our SBH contract. Our teams strive hard to provide the best-in-class support for customers and ensure a smooth entry-into-service of the Arrano.”
Jerome Hernandez, Sales and MRO Support Manager of PhilJets said: “It is our mission to keep our customer’s helicopter flying to meet their needs. We are pleased that this contract, in addition to the other 13 Safran engines in the Philippines currently under SBH® contract, will allow the owner and operator to receive extensive support for their helicopter.”
This SBH contract formalises a long-term MRO and services agreement supporting two Arrano 1A engines, making it the first SBH® contract signed for the Arrano in the Southeast Asia Region.
Since 2021, Safran HE and PhilJets have joined forces to support a growing fleet of more than 100 helicopters operators flying in the Philippines, with 13 engines now covered under SBH contracts.
The collaboration aims to enhance the operational availability of helicopters in the Philippines, where PhilJets has been operating for 11 years, in order to increase customer satisfaction of helicopter operators.
Safran’s Arrano engine, a 1,300 shp new-generation powerhouse, offers about 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other in-service helicopter engines. Notably, it is certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, like all Safran’s engines.
The SBH program from Safran Helicopter Engines provides predictable engine operating costs, eliminates cash peaks, and offers flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled MRO coverage. The program also integrates digital services like engine Health Monitoring, Expert Link, and Online SBH. SBH is part of EngineLife Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engines.
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