Bell and Omni Helicopters Launch Evaluation Program for Bell 525 in Guyana

Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters have launched an offshore evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter in Guyana. This initiative aims to demonstrate the aircraft’s capabilities over 500 hours of flight testing under real operational conditions. Key industry leaders express confidence in the Bell 525’s role as an innovative solution for offshore missions in the oil and gas sector.

Bell Textron Inc. and Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. have initiated a joint offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter in Georgetown, Guyana, which will span several months. This program will feature offshore mission flights where the Bell 525 helicopter will be integrated into Omni’s operational framework, including daily flight planning and schedules. The helicopter will routinely engage in loading, unloading, and refueling tasks to simulate real field conditions during the trials.

Danny Maldonado, Chief Commercial Officer at Bell, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re honored to be working with Omni to leverage the advanced technology the Bell 525 aircraft will bring to the industry. This program will enable the Bell 525 to demonstrate its performance, capabilities and reliability as the ideal offshore aircraft.” The Bell 525 has been specifically designed for offshore operations in the oil and gas sector, and this evaluation aims to showcase its innovative features.

Duncan Moore, Group COO at Omni Helicopters, remarked, “We’re thrilled to have devised this innovative and industry-leading program with Bell.” He emphasized Omni’s commitment to innovation and the importance of selecting a helicopter for medium and long-range offshore missions, expressing confidence in the Bell 525’s capabilities in this regard.

Gerry Gouveia, representing Roraima Airways, a partner in Omni Helicopters, noted the significance of this project for the aviation community in Guyana. He stated, “We’re delighted for our team and the wider aviation community in Guyana who will be amongst the first to get exposure to this next generation aircraft,” underlining the project’s contribution to the development of local aviation and oil and gas industries.

The operational evaluation will encompass approximately 500 flight hours over a six-month period, with the Bell 525 participating in the same flight sequences undertaken by the operational fleet in Guyana. The focus will be on operational resilience, supply chain robustness, and the aircraft’s durability through frequent ground handling activities, both on land and offshore.

The collaboration between Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters marks a significant step in evaluating the Bell 525 helicopter for offshore operations in Guyana. This program, which aims to assess performance and operational efficiency, will provide valuable insights into the aircraft’s capabilities and resilience in active commercial environments. With a commitment to innovation and enhancing local aviation, the project promises to strengthen the aviation and oil sectors in Guyana.

Original Source: newsroom.gy