Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters Guyana have initiated a program to evaluate the Bell 525 helicopter for offshore operations in Guyana. The helicopter will undergo real-field testing over several months, simulating mission scenarios, with a focus on its performance and reliability. Key figures from both companies expressed excitement about this opportunity for technological advancement in local aviation.
Bell Textron Inc. has partnered with Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. to launch an offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter in Georgetown, Guyana. This initiative will span several months, focusing on offshore mission flights using the Bell 525, which will be integrated into existing flight planning and schedules.
The Bell 525 will be utilized for various missions, operating under real field conditions. It will undergo routine loading, unloading, and refueling at multiple offshore installations, thereby simulating a sustained trial of its capabilities in an active operational setting.
Danny Maldonado, Bell’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the advantages of the Bell 525, stating that it was specifically designed for the offshore oil and gas market and will showcase its advanced technology during this evaluation program. Maldonado expressed excitement about demonstrating the helicopter’s reliability and performance.
Duncan Moore, Group COO at Omni Helicopters, also expressed enthusiasm about the program, highlighting Omni’s commitment to innovation. He pointed out that choosing a suitable helicopter for medium and long-range offshore missions is a critical challenge and is confident in the Bell 525’s ability to meet those needs in the Guyana mission environment.
Gerry Gouveia of Roraima Airways, a partner in Omni, noted the significance of this project for Guyanese aviation and the wider community. He underscored the opportunity for local exposure to the next-generation Bell 525 and its representation of Guyana on the global aviation stage.
The evaluation program will involve approximately 500 flying hours over six months, testing the aircraft under the typical operating conditions faced by Omni’s live operational fleet. The primary focus will be on operational resilience and supply chain robustness, particularly under frequent ground handling activities, both onshore and offshore.
The collaboration between Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters Guyana marks a significant venture to assess the capabilities of the Bell 525 helicopter in offshore operations. With 500 hours of planned flight testing, this program aims to underscore the Bell 525’s performance and reliability. The involvement of local companies emphasizes their commitment to enhancing aviation and oil and gas services in Guyana, showcasing the helicopter’s revolutionary features to the global market.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
