Post-lift-off, the enhanced HCare service soars aloft
Airbus has unveiled a new HCare offer designed to simplify support and services packages for helicopter operators. The innovative initiative has gained significant traction in the industry, with several operators signing on for various packages.
The HCare offer consists of three main packages: HCare Initial, HCare In-Service, and HCare Lifetime. Helidax, with its fleet of 36 H120s, has recently signed on for the HCare Classics package. The Helicopter Company (THC) has also joined the bandwagon, committing to the HCare In-Service package for its 20 five-bladed H145s.
In a move to support the growth of its fleet, the Italian operator Trento Firefighters, which recently ordered two new H145 helicopters, will be covered under the HCare Initial package. Ancala Partners, with approximately 50 helicopters, has also signed on for the HCare In-Service package.
Notably, Luxaviation Uzbekistan has contracted the HCare Initial package for a newly-ordered H125. Several operators, including Dare County and a Private Business and Aviation launch customer, have signed on for Part Availability contracts under the HCare In-Service package.
SAF Aerogroup, another operator, has shown its commitment by ordering crash-resistant fuel systems (CRFS) kits to retrofit 15 of its Ecureuil helicopters. SAF Aerogroup's fleet of five Super Puma helicopters has also signed on for the HCare In-Service package.
Swiss Helicopter, one of Airbus' civil-operations customers, has been at the forefront of this initiative. It was the first to take advantage of the avionics upgrade offer and the collaborative approach to developing and certifying this avionics upgrade for the H120.
The HCare offer provides customised parts-by-the-hour contracts that offer material support and spare parts tailored to the operator's needs, typically covering multi-year periods like three years. This service supports a range of helicopter missions, such as passenger transport, special operations training, vertical replenishment, and casualty evacuation. By ensuring availability and reliability of spare parts, it enhances operational readiness and safety.
The HCare Smart program, specifically for Airbus H225 helicopters, offers a tailored support package based on the type of missions and operational demands. It focuses on reducing downtime by managing spare parts in a predictable, cost-effective manner. The contracts can adapt to various operational requirements of military, governmental, and commercial operators, ensuring that helicopter fleets like the H225 remain mission-capable while optimising maintenance costs and logistic support.
In summary, the HCare offer aims at enhancing fleet availability, reducing operational disruptions, and providing cost certainty through structured maintenance support agreements. Operators can tailor the suite of services to their specific needs with these packages, making it a versatile solution for various helicopter operations.
[1] Airbus (2021). HCare: Enhancing Fleet Availability for Helicopter Operators. [Online]. Available: https://www.airbus.com/products/helicopters/support/hcare.html [Accessed: 25-Mar-2023].
The HCare offer from Airbus, designed for helicopter operators, encompasses three main packages: HCare Initial, HCare In-Service, and HCare Lifetime. The finance sector has witnessed significant transactions, with operators like Helidax, The Helicopter Company (THC), Trento Firefighters, Ancala Partners, Luxaviation Uzbekistan, Dare County, a Private Business and Aviation launch customer, and SAF Aerogroup investing in various HCare packages. Furthermore, the aerospace industry has been affected by the implementation of technological advancements, as seen with SAF Aerogroup retrofitting CRFS kits on their Ecureuil helicopters and Swiss Helicopter taking advantage of the avionics upgrade offer.
