Safran to Support New Zealand NH90 Engines

Safran Helicopter Engines signs a contract with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to support the engines of its NH90 fleet operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). This Support-By-the-Hour military (SBH®) contract formalizes a long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and services agreement supporting a total of 21 RTM322 engines.

The contract will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Australia in Sydney, which already supports more than 200 operators flying throughout the Pacific Islands (Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia), Australia and New Zealand.

Cédric Jochum, Safran Helicopter Engines Australia managing director, says, “This SBH® marks a major milestone in the strong partnership that has been built over the last decade between the RNZAF and Safran Helicopter Engines Australia while supporting their engines.”

The contract demonstrates the relevance of the flight hour-based support model for RTM322-powered NH90 users. Today, 90 percent of RTM322 flight hours are covered by a global support package (GSP) or SBH® flight hour-based support contract.

SBH® is Safran Helicopter Engines’ support-by-the-hour program for military operators. It makes engine operating costs predictable, eliminates cash peaks, and allows flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled MRO coverage. It is part of EngineLife® Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engines.

For more information, visit http://www.safran-helicopter-engines.com.