In a move to further improve support for its international customers, RUAG Aviation is establishing a new helicopter facility at Sion Airport in western Switzerland. Launching in early 2014, the facility will initially focus primarily on the maintenance, repair and overhaul of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. Further helicopter types may subsequently be added to the portfolio.

The full range of helicopter MRO services will be performed at the Sion facility, from basic maintenance through to complete overhauls. Comprising a hangar as well as office and workshop space, the site will initially be staffed by a team of two. The team will be reinforced by specialists from RUAG Aviation’s helicopter facilities in Alpnach and Mollis, according to the specific requirements of individual projects.

Sion Airport receives a high volume of helicopter traffic. The launch of its new facility at the airport thus fulfils the longstanding objective of RUAG Aviation to establish a base for helicopter maintenance in western Switzerland.

“Our international customers benefit from faster on-site services through this new facility,” says Andreas Baumann, General Manager of Helicopters at RUAG Aviation. “This milestone also marks the strengthening of our position in the twin turbine and VIP helicopter segments, which allows us to pass further advantages on to our customers.”