After a thorough audit and qualification process, Helicopter Logistics has been officially appointed as an Approved Airbus Helicopters Maintenance Centre. This prestigious designation is shared by only three other companies in Australia, located in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Matt Corbett, Managing Director of Helicopter Logistics, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We are thrilled to have been invited by Airbus to pursue this opportunity and to have achieved success in the process.” The certification journey involved two years of rigorous audits, requiring significant investment and offering no guarantees of approval.
As an approved Airbus Service Centre, Helicopter Logistics will benefit from enhanced support from Airbus, allowing for advanced maintenance services and modifications that only authorized Airbus Maintenance Centres can provide. This marks a significant step in their growth after 11 years of experience in engineering services for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
Helicopter Logistics will also support the WA Police Airwing, which has recently acquired two Airbus H145D3 helicopters. This partnership will extend throughout the aircraft’s warranty period and may lead to ongoing collaboration with the existing WAPOL team.
Matt also noted, “This year, two of our engineers will receive training in Germany for the H145D3 helicopter, enhancing our capabilities. While Airbus will handle the assembly of the WAPOL helicopters on the east coast, Helicopter Logistics may carry out some final role equipment installations in Western Australia.”
Airbus Dominates the Turbine Helicopter Market
In the global civil helicopter sector, Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is the leading manufacturer of turbine helicopters. Their extensive product line includes models such as the H125, H130, H135, H145, H160, H175, and H225. In Australia, Airbus Helicopters continues to dominate, with models like the H125, H130, H135, H145, and H175 being particularly favoured by operators.
“In the commercial and turbine markets, Airbus is the clear leader,” said Matt. “Many Squirrels are privately owned and frequently utilized for offshore operations. Larger companies often employ their own maintenance teams; however, during heavy maintenance periods, those teams might lack the capacity to meet demand. For instance, a 12-year inspection on a Squirrel can take up to two months to complete.”
Increased Availability of Airbus Helicopter Parts in WA
Over the next three years, Helicopter Logistics plans to expand its inventory of spare parts, significantly benefiting Airbus clients in Western Australia. These parts will support specific rotary aircraft and will be stored in a climate-controlled environment.
Commitment to the Mining Market
Helicopter Logistics has a strong track record in the northern regions of the state, including the Pilbara and Kimberley areas. The company is poised to offer an elevated level of support to meet urgent client needs, reinforcing its commitment to Airbus Helicopters in Western Australia.
