Safran, GDAT Group ink helicopter engine support deals

During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to France, Safran Helicopter Engines, in the presence of CEO Olivier Andriès and GDAT Group Chairman Peter Jiang, has sealed support-by-the-hour contracts with GDAT. These contracts are set to maintain the Makila engines, propelling GDAT’s Airbus H225 helicopter fleet and the Arrano engines empowering GD Helicopter Finance’s (GDHF) H160 helicopters, which will soon commence operations. The two SBH®-type agreements encompass in-service support and MRO for 140 Arrano 1A and Makila 2A1 engines.

The responsibility for managing these contracts falls under Safran Helicopter Engines China, the premier supplier of helicopter engines in the nation, boasting over 500 engines in service. In China, one out of every two helicopters is propelled by Safran engines, either manufactured by Safran or under license.

Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, expressed his pride, stating, “We are particularly proud that a leading helicopter company like GDAT Group has placed its trust in us for the operational follow-up and MRO of its engines. GDAT Group has an ambitious fleet development strategy, and we’re going to support them with the best possible services for their success.”

GDAT stands as China’s premier low-altitude economy entity, concentrating on helicopter operations and operating the largest H225 fleet in the nation. It offers helicopter rescue, transport, notably offshore transport, and aerial work missions, alongside serving as a highly proficient helicopter maintenance firm. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Shanghai, GDAT boasts subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Suzhou and Ningbo.

GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) is an emerging helicopter leasing and finance enterprise based in Dublin, Ireland. It aims to swiftly expand a substantial portfolio of state-of-the-art, efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters, including the Arrano-powered H160, and lease them to clients globally.