The Total Assurance Program, known as TAP, provides operators with a power-by-the-hour support model. The system allows operators to manage helicopter operations at a predictable cost-per-hour while receiving replacement parts when required.
According to Sikorsky, the renewed contracts reflect strong demand for long-term maintenance support among offshore energy operators. The agreements extend coverage for aircraft operations into the early 2030s.
“The past 10 months have seen strong demand by offshore energy companies to renew TAP aftermarket agreements into the early 2030s,” said Leon Silva, Sikorsky vice president, Global Commercial and Military Systems.
Silva said the contracts demonstrate operator confidence in the aircraft and the support program. “Multi-year coverage signals confidence in the reliability and endurance of the S-92 helicopter, and in our ability to deliver or stock aftermarket parts that help these aircraft fly consistently in the mid-90 percent availability rates, among the highest in the industry.”
The largest S-92 operator, Bristow, renewed its TAP agreement in April 2025. The contract supports approximately 60 aircraft in the company’s fleet.
Following Bristow’s renewal, five additional operators also extended their agreements with Sikorsky. Among them was Offshore Helicopter Services, with the six contracts signed through February 2026 covering close to 100 helicopters.
The TAP program provides coverage for more than 90 percent of replacement part costs for the S-92. This includes components such as the airframe, drive train, gearbox, avionics and other consumable systems.
The service is designed to support a wide range of operational profiles. It benefits operators flying a single helicopter for about 100 hours per year as well as large fleets conducting frequent offshore missions that may accumulate up to 1,500 flight hours per aircraft annually.
Sikorsky launched the TAP program in 2004 with offshore energy operators Omni and PHI. Since then, the program has expanded significantly across the global S-92 fleet.
In 2026, nine S-92 operators receive TAP coverage, most of them operating in offshore energy and search and rescue sectors. Nearly all operators who signed multi-year TAP agreements in 2015 have since renewed their contracts.
Of the 270 active S-92 helicopters worldwide, 155 are currently covered by TAP agreements. Sikorsky supports these operators through four forward stocking locations positioned across three continents.
The program also tracks aircraft condition and performance data to improve maintenance planning. This approach allows Sikorsky to adapt spare parts availability to the operational tempo of each customer.
“The continued success of Sikorsky’s TAP for more than two decades clearly demonstrates industry trust in Sikorsky to address evolving challenges,” said Pat Sheedy, CEO of Milestone.
Sheedy said operators rely on the program to maintain operational readiness. “We are fully confident in the program’s ability to keep our S-92 aircraft mission ready. These renewed multi-year commitments highlight the market’s confidence in the program’s reliability and long-term value.”
Sikorsky has delivered more than 310 S-92 helicopters worldwide. Data collected from their Health and Usage Monitoring System has also supported the development of artificial intelligence tools to analyse aircraft health information.
These tools help engineers interpret operational data and develop long-term maintenance solutions. The system supports condition-based maintenance and longer intervals between major overhauls.
Spare parts are stored at forward stocking locations in four countries close to customer operations. According to the company, these measures have contributed to improved aircraft availability and reduced inventory costs.
The global S-92 fleet has now accumulated approximately 2.6 million flight hours. Sikorsky says the TAP program continues to play a key role in maintaining high operational readiness across the fleet.
