Safran Helicopter Engines Secures Major Contract with DRF Luftrettung for H145 Fleet Support

Safran Helicopter Engines Secures Major Contract with DRF Luftrettung for H145 Fleet Support

(IN BRIEF) Safran Helicopter Engines has inked a substantial support-by-the-hour deal with DRF Luftrettung, encompassing maintenance and repair services for over 90 Arriel 2E engines powering its H145 helicopter fleet. The agreement, managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Germany, highlights the efficacy of the SBH support model in ensuring efficient engine maintenance for critical operations. DRF Luftrettung, a prominent player in European helicopter EMS, underscores the importance of dependable partnerships in lifesaving missions, emphasizing the indispensable role of Safran Helicopter Engines. This collaboration not only enhances operational reliability but also aligns with Safran’s strategy of integrating digital services for optimized maintenance operations. The significance of such partnerships is particularly pronounced for DRF Luftrettung, which executed over 36,000 missions in 2023, relying on its fleet for emergency rescue, inter-hospital transfers, and repatriation flights.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 1-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a major support-by-the-hour contract with DRF Luftrettung for the engines powering its H145 helicopter fleet. This SBH® contract covers in-service support and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) for over 90 Arriel 2E engines. DRF Luftrettung is one of the biggest users of the Arriel engine in Europe.

The contract will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Germany in Hamburg, which monitors and supports 300 helicopter operators in Germany, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, for a total fleet of 2,000 engines.

“This contract demonstrates the relevance of our SBH support model. DRF Luftrettung is one of the major actors in helicopter EMS in Germany, and it is important for them to have the most efficient engine MRO and support model possible”, said Mathieu Albert, Safran Helicopter Engines, Executive Vice-President, Support and Services.

“We have been using Safran Helicopter Engines in our fleet for many years now and they have become an indispensable part of our life-saving missions. It is crucial for us to work with partners who we can rely on in all circumstances. Therefore we are very happy that in the future we will  continue to profit from Safran Helicopter Engines experience and reliable services”, adds Roman Morka, DRF Luftrettung Chief Technology Officer.

SBH is Safran Helicopter Engines’ maintenance-by-the-hour service. It provides visibility on engine operating costs and smoothes financial flows, while making scheduled and unscheduled maintenance operations more flexible. SBH is integrated into a range of high value-added digital services such as Health Monitoring, Expert Link and Online SBH. Today, 50% of Safran Helicopter Engines’ engine flight hours are covered by the SBH service.

The DRF Luftrettung, based in Filderstadt, is one of the largest air rescue organisations in Europe. The helicopters and ambulance aircraft of the non-profit organisation take off for their missions from 32 bases at 30 locations in Germany. These include emergency rescue missions, transports of intensive care patients between hospitals, as well as repatriation flights of patients from abroad. In total, the DRF Luftrettung performed 36,413 missions in 2023. The organization relies on financial support and has around 400,000 supporting members at its side.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92 000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.

Media Contact:

François Julian
Safran Helicopter Engines
francois.julian@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran