The long-term package, extending into the next decade, includes Sikorsky’s Total Assurance Program (TAP), providing Bristow with sustained aftermarket support under a known budget, reducing the risk of unexpected costs. Leon Silva, vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky, stated, “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Bristow, one of the world’s leading providers of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry.”
Silva added, “We are committed to providing exceptional support to our customers and ensuring the continued success of the S-92 helicopter, which has a lifetime availability average of over 90% and many aircraft achieve more than 1,500 flight hours per year on average in the demanding offshore energy industry.” Bristow’s Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services, Stu Stavley, commented, “Bristow is the largest operator of the S-92 globally.”
Stavley further stated, “This long-term support agreement will enable us to maintain our high level of service to our customers, while also controlling our operational costs and improving our overall efficiency.” The TAP package for Bristow includes a Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) agreement for offshore energy services and SAR helicopters, covering over 90 percent of replacement costs for parts including airframe, drivetrain, gearboxes, avionics, and consumables.
Enhanced global fleet support is also part of the agreement, with Bristow gaining access to Sikorsky’s worldwide network of forward stocking locations (FSL) and field service representatives (FSR). Additionally, Bristow will benefit from the Sikorsky360 customer portal, enabling the company to place orders, check parts status, access service and financial information, and view aircraft data.
This agreement underlines Sikorsky’s ongoing commitment to the commercial market and its investment in the S-92 platform, positioning the aircraft to meet the rising demands of deepwater operations. Sikorsky recently introduced the S-92 Phase IV main gearbox featuring an auxiliary lubrication system that automatically activates in the event of a primary oil pressure loss, eliminating the need for an immediate landing and allowing safe continuation to destination.
The new gearbox system has been validated through more than 800 hours of rigorous testing, with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification expected in 2025. Furthermore, Sikorsky has extended the scheduled inspection intervals for the S-92 helicopter and offered a one-time life extension for specific main gearbox housings.
