Vector Aerospace (www.vectoraerospace.com), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce it will be performing an Airbus Helicopters AS350 BA to B2 conversion for humanitarian aid aviation service provider Mercy Air South Africa. The conversion will be undertaken by Vector at its facility in Andalusia, AL.

“Upgrading our AS350 BA to a B2 provides us with much needed safety and performance margin,” explains Matthias Reuter, Mercy Air. “In Africa we face a harsh operating environment of high density altitudes and long distances between bases. We partner with a host of organizations that bring social, medical and spiritual help to people in remote areas of South Africa.”

“This BA to B2 conversion is the first of many that we plan to perform at our U.S. helicopter services facility in Alabama,” said Craig Pluim, Vice President, Rotary-Wing Sales at Vector Aerospace. “Our global AS350 BA to B2 conversion capability has proven to be in high demand, this modification being ideal for operators seeking enhanced performance without the expense of buying a new aircraft.”

Benefits of the AS350 BA to B2 conversion program include improved power margins through the installation of a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine, increased max take-off weight, payload and sling load, enhanced climb rates, reduced pilot workload and a higher resale value.