Bell Textron Inc. and Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. have launched a six-month offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter in Guyana. This program involves routine operational flights, testing the helicopter under actual conditions. Key figures from both companies emphasized the importance of this initiative for the industry, and local partners noted its significance for Guyanese aviation.
Bell Textron Inc. and Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. have initiated a collaborative offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter, which will be conducted over several months at Omni’s operation in Georgetown, Guyana. This program aims to integrate the Bell 525 into routine offshore mission flights, allowing the helicopter to experience real-world conditions during its testing phase.
During the evaluation, the Bell 525 will be loaded to representative mission weights and will partake in the daily flight planning processes and schedules. The helicopter will visit various offshore installations in the region, undergoing routine loading, unloading, and refueling procedures to effectively test its performance under actual operational conditions.
Danny Maldonado, Chief Commercial Officer at Bell, remarked on the significance of the partnership, stating, “We’re honored to be working with Omni to leverage the advanced technology the Bell 525 aircraft will bring to the industry.” He emphasized that the program will showcase the Bell 525’s capabilities, positioning it as a leading offshore aircraft in the oil and gas sector.
Duncan Moore, Group COO of Omni, expressed excitement about the innovative program, highlighting the company’s commitment to solving challenges for their customers. “We’re confident that the Bell 525 will prove itself in this space,” Moore stated. He noted the importance of the Guyana mission environment in the helicopter’s evaluation for medium and long-range offshore missions.
Gerry Gouveia from Roraima Airways, a partner of Omni Helicopters, conveyed his enthusiasm about the project, signifying its importance to the aviation community in Guyana. He mentioned, “Securing this project for Guyana underscores our dedication to developing Guyanese aviation and oil and gas capabilities. It’s fantastic to see the Bell 525 in Guyana livery representing our country on the global stage.”
The evaluation program will see the Bell 525 operating within Omni’s flying program, which averages 200 flights per month. The aircraft is scheduled to replicate the same flight sequences as the existing operational fleet, ensuring it faces the logistics and demands of real commercial operations. The assessment will focus on operational resilience, supply chain durability, and performance amid frequent ground handling activities.
In conclusion, the joint offshore evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter represents a significant advancement for both Bell Textron Inc. and Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. The collaboration underscores the commitment to integrate cutting-edge technology into offshore operations, enhancing the capabilities of the oil and gas industry. Notably, the involvement of local partners signifies a dedication to fostering the aviation community in Guyana, ultimately boosting its standing on the global stage.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
