21 September 2020: Airbus Helicopters and NASA have signed a USD 15 million HCare Infinite full-availability support solution to provide the entire spectrum of support for NASA’s fleet of three H135 helicopters. The entire comprehensive contract will initially cover two years with an option of 10-year expansion. The three helicopters will be delivered later this month. Airbus will be responsible for managing NASA’s scheduled and unscheduled maintenance as well as spare parts. Apart from this, Airbus will also be responsible for helicopter flight operators by stationing two pilots, two mechanics and one program manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.
“With this new HCare contract, NASA is relying on Airbus’s manufacturer expertise for the comprehensive management of all support and service needs. The OEM experience and knowledge will provide support as NASA transitions from an aging aircraft fleet into the advanced H135 helicopter,” said David Ramsey, Chief of Flight Operations at NASA Kennedy Space Center. “The OEM level of expertise will ensure that the transition of aircraft is a smooth and safe process and will allow KSC Flight Operations to focus our attention on supporting those NASA Programs and Partners that are advancing science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.”
NASA will operate their new fleet of H135 helicopters, purchased as part of a fleet renewal initiative, at Cape Canaveral for a variety of missions including security around rocket launches, emergency medical services, and qualified personnel transport.
“Our customers’ success lies in their ability to ensure aircraft are ready to take off the second they need them, and our HCare support solutions provide the guarantee that we have taken care of everything to ensure their full fleet availability,” said Anthony Baker, vice president of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “Our entire team is extremely proud to support the future of space exploration by providing both new helicopters and full support services to NASA.”
HCare Infinite is Airbus’ most comprehensive level of customer support and requires the company to guarantee the customer’s full fleet operational availability, including maintenance, technical support, and the supply of spare parts, tools and consumables. Airbus Helicopters’ range of HCare material management services starts out with Easy (on-request catalogue services) and Smart (four by-the-hour options), before progressively building up to Infinite (full availability commitments).
