Bell and Omni Helicopters Initiate Offshore Evaluation of Bell 525 in Guyana
Bell Textron Inc. and Omni Helicopters have launched an offshore evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter in Guyana. The program aims to assess the helicopter under actual field conditions over a six-month period, focusing on its capabilities for offshore operations. Key figures expressed confidence in the helicopter’s advancements and its potential impact on the aviation industry in Guyana.
Bell Textron Inc. and Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. have initiated a comprehensive offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter. This program will take place over several months at Omni’s high-activity operations in Georgetown, Guyana. The evaluation aims to assess the helicopter’s performance in real-world offshore mission scenarios.
During this evaluation, Bell will operate the Bell 525 in partnership with Omni, conducting several offshore mission flights. The helicopter will be loaded to represent typical mission weights and will be fully integrated into daily flight planning and scheduling. It will regularly visit various offshore installations, undergoing routine loading, unloading, and refueling to simulate actual operating conditions.
Danny Maldonado, the Chief Commercial Officer at Bell, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are honored to be working with Omni to leverage the advanced technology the Bell 525 aircraft will bring to the industry.” He emphasized the goal of demonstrating the Bell 525’s performance and reliability as an ideal offshore aircraft, designed specifically for the oil and gas sector.
Duncan Moore, Group COO at OHI, also expressed excitement about the innovative program they have developed with Bell. He mentioned, “Omni embraces innovation and solves challenges for our customers,” highlighting the importance of selecting a suitable helicopter for medium and long-range offshore missions. Moore expressed confidence in the Bell 525’s capabilities in this regard
Gerry Gouveia from Roraima Airways, partners with Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc., shared his pride in being part of this project, stating, “We are delighted for our team and the aviation community in Guyana to be among the first to experience this next-generation aircraft.” He emphasized the project’s significance in promoting Guyanese aviation and oil and gas capabilities, as well as the representation of Guyana on the global stage with the Bell 525.
The operational evaluation will feature the Bell 525 integrated into Omni’s monthly flight operations of 200 flights. The aircraft will undertake the same flight sequences as the live operational fleet, facing the challenges of commercial line operations. Special attention will be given to assessing operational resilience, supply chain reliability, and durability amid frequent ground handling activities, both onshore and offshore. Approximately 500 flight hours are scheduled for this evaluation over a six-month period.
In summary, Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters are collaborating on a significant evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter aimed at demonstrating its operational capabilities in offshore missions. The initiative prioritizes real-world testing under representative conditions and highlights the commitment of both companies to innovation in aviation within the oil and gas sector. This program not only showcases the Bell 525’s advanced features but also serves to enhance the aviation and energy sectors in Guyana.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
