Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters have launched an offshore evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter in Guyana. This program aims to test the helicopter’s performance and reliability in real-world conditions over six months, with approximately 500 planned flight hours. Key personnel from both companies express confidence in showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities for offshore operations in the oil and gas sector.
Bell Textron Inc. and Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. have announced a collaborative offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter. This program will be conducted over several months at Omni’s active operation in Georgetown, Guyana, involving a series of offshore mission flights designed to test the helicopter’s capabilities under actual field conditions. The Bell 525 will be integrated into Omni’s daily flight planning, allowing it to perform routine operations alongside the existing fleet.
The evaluation program aims to demonstrate the performance, capabilities, and reliability of the Bell 525 as an ideal offshore aircraft. Danny Maldonado, Chief Commercial Officer of Bell, expressed honor at partnering with Omni and emphasized the aircraft’s design for oil and gas market operations. He stated that this effort would highlight the helicopter’s advanced technology and its suitability for offshore missions.
Duncan Moore, Group COO at Omni, voiced enthusiasm regarding the innovative program with Bell. He highlighted Omni’s commitment to innovation and addressing customer challenges, particularly in selecting a helicopter for medium and long-range offshore missions. Moore expressed confidence that the Bell 525 would excel within the Guyana mission environment, thus facilitating the opportunity to showcase its capabilities.
Gerry Gouveia, representing Roraima Airways, which partners with Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc., expressed pride in providing exposure to this next-generation aircraft to the local aviation community. He noted that securing this project emphasizes their commitment to enhancing Guyanese aviation and oil and gas capabilities, marking a significant milestone for Guyana’s prominence in the global aviation sector.
The operational evaluation is set to involve the Bell 525 flying alongside Omni’s extensive 200-flight-per-month program. The helicopter will execute identical flight sequences as the operational fleet, allowing it to experience the rigors of commercial line operations. The evaluation will focus on operational resilience and supply chain durability, subjecting the aircraft to frequent ground handling activities. Approximately 500 hours of flight time are planned over this six-month program.
The joint offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter, announced by Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters, represents a significant advancement in offshore aviation capabilities in Guyana. With a focus on demonstrating the helicopter’s operational resilience and reliability, the program will utilize actual field conditions to assess its performance. This initiative not only highlights the technological advancements of the Bell 525 but also underscores the commitment to enhancing aviation and oil industry capabilities in Guyana.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
