Safran signs by-the-hour support contract with Aero Asahi Corporation covering Arriel engines

Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a Support-By-Hour (SBH®) contract with Aero Asahi Corporation, covering engines powering the operator’s BK117C2, H125, S-76C+ and AS365 N3 fleets. This 5-year contract supports a total of 55 Arriel 1 and 2 engines. This agreement is the second 5-year SBH® extension contract signed with this Japanese operator, one of the longest-standing support contracts of this kind (15 years) in the region.  

Osamu Washida, Aero Asahi Corporation General Manager, Procurement and Logistics Department, said : “SBH® is a great cost control solution, providing full visibility and cash flow smoothing, together with a high level  of proximity support from Safran”.  

“Safran and Aero Asahi Corporation have a long history of mutual trust, since more than 55 years now. Their renewed choice for SBH® is a great proof of confidence in the program and in our company. We are proud to support them and their operations for the next five years under SBH®”, commented Guy Bonaud, Safran Helicopter Engines Japan Representative Director. 

Part of Toyota Motor Corporation group, Aero Asahi Corporation provides a wide range of services including emergency medical airlifts, cargo transport in mountainous areas and offshore, and reconnaissance flights for aerial photography and live coverage broadcasting. Another service that has grown rapidly as of recent is the charter business that offers customers flexible flight plans and privacy aboard business jets.  

This contract will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Japan, which supports more than 550 engines operated by 110 customers flying in Japan.  

SBH® is Safran Helicopter Engines support-by-the-hour service. It makes engine operating costs predictable, eliminates cash peaks, allow flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled engine removals. It now covers 40% of Safran Helicopter Engines customer turbines’ flying hours.  

SBH® is part of EngineLife® Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engines.