Turbomeca do Brasil (Safran group) and Lider Táxi Aéreo signed a SBH® (Support By the Hour) contract covering the 52 Arriel 2 Turbomeca engines operated by the Brazilian customer and flying more than 50,000 hours per year for offshore operations.

The current Lider’s fleet powered by Turbomeca and supported by the SBH® contract includes 24 twin engine aircrafts. The support contract includes the coverage of 52 Turbomeca engines (including the spares) which flies more than 50,000 hours per year in Brazilian offshore operations. Another 14 Arriel 2 engines (seven S76C++ helicopters) may be included in the contract shortly, and also 10 additional Arriel 2 engines (five S76C++ helicopters) are probably coming by the end of 2011. Moreover, a strong fleet growth is expected for coming years.

Lider and Turbomeca: a close relationship

Lider Táxi Aéreo started operations in 1958 with three single engine Cessnas. In 1963 Lider expands its operation to aviation services, becoming the leader in this segment few years later. Lider has also started important alliances with companies like Bell, Allied Signal, Bendix, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, and Raytheon Aircraft Company. The leadership in helicopter market came in 1997, as a result of a partnership with Bell.

In 2004, Lider Táxi Aéreo started the operation of its first aircraft powered by Turbomeca, with the incorporation of a 10 Sikorsky S76C+ aircraft fleet, dedicated to offshore operations in Brazil.

In the following years, Lider Táxi Aéreo increased its fleet with nine Sikorsky S76C++ helicopters, powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 engines, becoming the leader in Brazilian offshore market.

In 2009, Lider Táxi Aéreo established a strategic alliance with Bristow Group, the biggest civilian helicopter operator worldwide, what allows a fast increase of Lider’s fleet in the offshore operations. Turbomeca do Brasil have been participating actively in this process, supporting Lider Táxi Aéreo operations technically and commercially. During all that time, Lider and Turbomeca experienced a closer relationship and the confidence level needed to move forward. Consequently, a Support by the Hour – SBH contract has been just signed by the two companies.