Safran and PhilJets sign Arrano engine support deal

Safran Helicopter Engines and PhilJets Aero Services Inc (PhilJets) have signed a new support-by-the-hour (SBH) contract for the Arrano engine. The two companies are partnering to launch the entry into service of the Arrano engine, set to power the first Airbus H160 in southeast Asia, which is expected to arrive soon.

Jerome Hernandez, sales and MRO support manager, PhilJets said: “It is our mission to keep our customer’s helicopter flying to meet their needs. We are pleased that this contract, in addition to the other 13 Safran engines in the Philippines currently under SBH contract, will allow the owner and operator to receive extensive support for their helicopter.”            

The signing represents the first SBH contract signed for the Arrano in the  region. It formalises a long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and services agreement supporting two Arrano 1A engines. The collaboration is designed to improve the operational availability of helicopters in the Philippines.

Safran Helicopter Engines’ SBH programme is designed to provide predictable engine operating costs, eliminate cash peaks and offer flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled MRO coverage. The programme integrates digital services like engine Health Monitoring, Expert Link, and Online SBH. SBH is part of EngineLife Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engines.

For the past three years, Safran HE and PhilJets have partnered to support a growing fleet of more than 100 helicopters operators flying in the Philippines. A total of 13 engines are now covered under SBH contracts.

During the signing ceremony at the recent 2024 Singapore Airshow, Thierry Tea, founder, PhilJets and Valerie Patuel, MD, Asia Pacific Safran HE re-affirmed their commitment to extend their three-year partnership to support helicopter owners and operators in the Philippines.

Patuel said: “We are very pleased to have the first H160 customer in this region supported with our SBH contract. Our teams strive hard to provide the best-in-class support for customers and ensure a smooth entry-into-service of the Arrano.”

The 1,300shp new-generation Arrano engine is said to offer about a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared with other in-service helicopter engines. Like all Safran engines, it is  certified to operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).