Kuala Lumpur, April 20th 2016 – AIROD has signed a contract with Heli-One for the glass cockpit upgrade of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sikorsky S-61 helicopters. This collaboration between AIROD and Heli-One will provide a customised solution through developing a new design to leverage the latest technology that will add new capabilities to these helicopters and greatly enhance their performance. The upgrade will add new tactical capabilities and allow for standardisation of aircraft systems across the fleet. It will enable the aircraft to fly in day and night under all weather conditions as well as addressing obsolescence issues, subsequently, allowing the RMAF S61A-4 NURI helicopter to expand its life-span for at least another 15 years.
The transfer of knowledge, technology and innovation will further contribute to the nation’s pool of technically proficient and skilled personnel in the aerospace industry. This will enhance the scope of in-country capabilities for high value aerospace design as AIROD develops its team of experienced engineers and technicians for the aerospace industry of the future.
This project will strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global MRO market by entering new market frontiers and allowing technology spinoff to other aircraft platforms. High-value aerospace design and development activities resulting from this project will provide competitive advantage that will certainly benefit the local aerospace industry as part of the global aerospace ecosystem.
“We are delighted to embark on this exciting program with AIROD which showcases Heli-One’s ability to deliver complex helicopter upgrade programs, anywhere in the world, in a win-win relationship with a local partner” said Anthony DiNota, President, Heli-One. He continued, “This upgrade provides RMAF with a very cost-effective solution to extend the life of their helicopter fleet and maximize their capability. They will benefit from the latest technology at a minimum cost.”'
About AIROD
AIROD (a wholly owned subsidiary of National Aerospace Defence Industries) was established in 1976 as the first and only in-country facility to support the Royal Malaysian Air Force. As a result of the Malaysian Government’s privatization initiative in 1984, AIROD has emerged as Malaysia`s leading aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre.
With world class facilities to support fixed and rotary winged aircraft, complemented with more than 3 decades of technical expertise and excellence, AIROD has become a recognized brand in the national and international aviation industry supporting it`s 78 customers in 33 countries.
AIROD currently offers a complete range of aviation services for training, fighter, transport and VVIP aircraft. Testament to its commitment towards embracing the highest global standards of service excellence, AIROD also provides total support worldwide through its Field Services Team (FST).
AIROD Contact Information
Contact
National Aerospace & Defence Industries Sdn Bhd
Selina Yunus
Group SGM, Secretarial & Corporate Communications
Tel: +603 7844 7100
selina@nadimalaysia.com
AIROD Sdn Bhd
Major General Ir Dato’ Ibrahim bin Bahari, RMAF (Ret’d)
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +60378465112
ceo@airod.com.my
About Heli-One
Heli-One is based in Delta, British Columbia, Canada, and has MRO operations in Delta, Canada; Stavanger, Norway; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Rzeszow, Poland. Heli-One is the world's largest independent helicopter MRO and holds certifications and expertise on a broad range of airframes and components from major helicopter and engine manufacturers, including Airbus, Sikorsky, Finmeccanica (AgustaWestland), Bell, Turbomeca, Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.
Heli-One is a segment of CHC Helicopter, the operating company of CHC Group Ltd. (OTCQX: HELIF)
Heli-One Contact Information
MEDIA
Susan Gordon
Senior Director, Global Communications
Tel: + 1.214.262.7384
Susan.Gordon@chc.ca