Post-lift-off, the latest HCare service soars skyward
Airbus Introduces HCare Support Package for Helicopter Operators
Airbus has unveiled a new HCare offer designed to streamline support and services packages for individual helicopter operators. The comprehensive in-service support program is aimed at optimizing fleet operations through spare parts availability, streamlined logistics, and cost-effective maintenance.
Key benefits of the HCare offer include optimized spare parts management, which minimizes downtime by ensuring parts are readily available for rapid repairs. Streamlined logistics simplify the supply chain and maintenance scheduling, reducing administrative and operational burdens. Cost-effective maintenance services aim to control lifecycle costs and improve fleet availability.
The HCare offer caters to diverse missions, such as emergency services, forest protection, and offshore transportation, demonstrating its adaptability to different operational requirements. It provides multi-service contracts that offer comprehensive support during critical entry-into-service phases of new helicopter models, as well as ongoing fleet support.
For instance, GDAT in China signed an HCare In-Service contract covering ten H225 helicopters supporting medical and governmental missions, emphasizing mission readiness through efficient service support. Similarly, Omni Taxi Aéreo’s contract for three H160 helicopters demonstrates the benefits of HCare’s multi-services approach for new fleet integration and operational support.
Ancala Partners, Swiss Helicopter, The Helicopter Company, SAF Aerogroup, Luxaviation Uzbekistan, Trento Firefighters, and Helidax are among the operators who have signed up for the HCare offer. Ancala Partner's fleet of roughly 50 helicopters has opted for the HCare In-Service package, while Swiss Helicopter has agreed to upgrade the avionics systems of its H120s with modern, high-performing, digitally-connected systems. The Helicopter Company's fleet of 20 five-bladed H145s and SAF Aerogroup's fleet of five Super Puma helicopters have also signed on for the HCare In-Service package. Luxaviation Uzbekistan has contracted the HCare Initial package for a newly-ordered H125, and Trento Firefighters have signed up for the HCare Initial package for their newly ordered H145 helicopters, which will be covered under a Part Availability contract. SAF Aerogroup recently ordered crash-resistant fuel systems (CRFS) kits to retrofit 15 of its Ecureuil helicopters.
Airbus has spearheaded an innovative new shared-financing approach for the development of upgrades for out-of-production helicopters. The HCare offer, launched in March, aims to simplify support and services packages for individual customers. The HCare Store is a platform where operators can order one-off services covering various aspects such as Material Management, Helicopter Maintenance, Technical Support, Training & Flight Ops, and Connected Services.
In summary, HCare delivers an integrated lifecycle support solution improving operational reliability, reducing maintenance complexity, and lowering total ownership costs, which has been positively received by early customers operating key Airbus helicopter models such as the H225 and H160. The new HCare offer has gained traction with several helicopter operators.
The HCare offer extends its services beyond aircraft models, catering to various industries such as finance and aerospace. By partnering with HCare, companies like Ancala Partners and Swiss Helicopter, who operate in the finance and aerospace sectors respectively, aim to optimize their operations through cost-effective maintenance and simplified logistics. The HCare offer's innovative platform, the HCare Store, facilitates one-off services for industries requiring specialized support, solidifying its position in the finance and aerospace industries.
