Post-lift-off, the enhanced HCare service soars skyward
Airbus Introduces Revolutionary HCare Offer for Helicopter Operators
Airbus has unveiled a comprehensive service package, the HCare offer, designed to revolutionize the maintenance and support of helicopters. This innovative solution aims to ensure optimised operational performance, high aircraft availability, and reduced downtime for operators.
The HCare offer caters to a wide range of customer needs with three main packages: HCare Initial, HCare In-Service, and HCare Lifetime. These packages offer customised maintenance and support services, improved availability and reliability, efficient spare parts supply and logistics, data-driven predictive maintenance, and cost management benefits.
The benefits of the HCare offer extend beyond operational improvements. By balancing quality, cost, and delivery, it also promises a reduction in overall operating costs. This approach has resonated with operators, who appreciate the single-source, end-to-end service solution that allows them to focus on their core operations.
Airbus has taken a significant step forward in the development of upgrades for out-of-production helicopter operators. Swiss Helicopter recently agreed to upgrade the avionics systems of its H120s, while Luxaviation Uzbekistan has contracted the HCare Initial package for a newly-ordered H125. The Italian operator Trento Firefighters, which recently ordered two new H145 helicopters, will be covered under the HCare Initial package.
The Helicopter Company's (THC) 20 five-bladed H145s have signed on for the HCare In-Service package, and Helidax's fleet of 36 H120s has recently signed on for the HCare Classics package. SAF Aerogroup's fleet of five Super Puma helicopters have signed on for the HCare In-Service package, and Ancala Partner's fleet of roughly 50 helicopters have signed on for the HCare In-Service package.
SAF Aerogroup recently ordered crash-resistant fuel systems (CRFS) kits to retrofit 15 of its Ecureuil helicopters. Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) aircraft and out-of-production legacy fleets (H120, Dauphin, Puma, and Gazelle) also benefit from specialized sets of packages: HCare First and HCare Classics.
The HCare offer simplifies support and services packages for individual customers, allowing them to tailor the suite of services to their specific needs and choose the desired level of material management support. Swiss Helicopter was the first of Airbus' civil-operations customers to take advantage of the avionics upgrade improvement offer. Several helicopter operators have contracted HCare Initial packages for their new Airbus helicopters.
With its holistic and customisable lifecycle maintenance approach, the HCare offer promises improved aircraft availability, predictable costs, and a streamlined supply chain. The approach has garnered generally favourable customer acceptance, reflecting a broader industry trend towards lifecycle support contracts that enhance operational efficiency and reduce uncertainty regarding maintenance costs and aircraft readiness.
The HCare offer, introduced by Airbus, not only offers optimized operational performance for helicopter operators but also aims to reduce costs in the finance sector, as it promises a significant reduction in overall operating costs. Moreover, the aerospace industry has recognized the benefits of the HCare offer, with various operators signing up for its packages, such as Swiss Helicopter, Trento Firefighters, and Helidax.
