Skyward Alliance: Sikorsky and Bristow Unite for a Game-Changing S-92 Fleet Partnership
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL), the global front-runner in cutting-edge and sustainable vertical flight solutions, today disclosed a long-standing agreement to deliver improved support for Bristow’s S-92® helicopter fleet.
This agreement strengthens the decades-spanning collaboration between the two entities and provides augmented assistance for Bristow’s over 60 S-92 aircraft operating in vital markets worldwide, including offshore energy and search and rescue (SAR). The enduring package extending into the next decade includes Sikorsky’s Total Assurance Program (TAP), which offers Bristow sustained aftermarket support to manage its S-92 fleet within a predictable budget, minimizing the potential for unforeseen expenses.
“We are delighted to continue our enduring partnership with Bristow, one of the globe’s premier providers of helicopter services to the offshore energy sector,” stated Leon Silva, vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky. “We are devoted to delivering outstanding support to our clients and ensuring the sustained success of the S-92 helicopter, which boasts a lifetime availability average exceeding 90% and many aircraft achieve upwards of 1,500 flight hours annually in the demanding offshore energy sector.”
“Bristow is the largest global operator of the S-92,” remarked Stu Stavley, Bristow’s Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services. “This long-term support arrangement will empower us to uphold our high service levels for our clients while efficiently managing our operational expenses and enhancing our overall productivity.”
The TAP package encompasses the following support features for Bristow’s international fleet:
- Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) arrangement for offshore energy services and search and rescue helicopters;
- Coverage for over 90% of replacement costs for components including airframe, drivetrain, gearboxes, avionics, and consumable parts;
- Augmented global fleet support through access to Sikorsky’s extensive network of forward stocking locations (FSL) and field service representatives (FSR); and
- Access to the Sikorsky360 customer portal, enabling Bristow to place orders, monitor parts status, access services and financial details, and review aircraft metrics.
This agreement signifies Sikorsky’s ongoing dedication to the commercial market and investment in the S-92 platform, which is ideally suited to meet the escalating 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 primary oil pressure loss, eliminating the necessity for immediate landing and permitting operators to reach their destination safely. This groundbreaking solution has been validated through over 800 hours of thorough testing, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification is expected in 2025.
Sikorsky has also extended scheduled inspection intervals for the S-92 helicopter and provided a one-time lifespan extension for specific main gearbox housings. These improvements remove more than a complete year of downtime caused by inspections and enable operators to safely maintain their aircraft in service longer, generating revenues. The earned life credit can reach up to 1,200 hours / 3,600 ground-air-ground cycles, equating to an additional 12 to 18 months for an average S-92 offshore oil operator and over 24 months for others.
