Bell Textron and Omni Helicopters have launched a six-month offshore evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter in Guyana. The initiative aims to assess the helicopter’s performance under actual operational conditions. Key industry stakeholders expressed their confidence in the helicopter’s capabilities and its importance 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, set to unfold over several months in Georgetown, Guyana. The undertaking involves Bell operating the Bell 525 specifically for offshore mission flights, ensuring that the helicopter meets representative mission weights and is integrated into daily flight operations. It is anticipated that the helicopter will visit various offshore installations, undergoing routine loading, unloading, and refueling to simulate actual operational conditions.
Danny Maldonado, Chief Commercial Officer of Bell, expressed pride in collaborating with Omni, stating that the program aims to showcase the Bell 525’s performance and reliability as a premier offshore aircraft. Maldonado emphasized that the Bell 525 is engineered for offshore operations, particularly in the oil and gas markets and highlighted the significance of this initiative in demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities.
Duncan Moore, Group COO of Omni Helicopters, conveyed enthusiasm for the innovative program established with Bell. He noted Omni’s commitment to innovation and the importance of selecting a helicopter suitable for medium- and long-range offshore missions. Moore expressed confidence in the Bell 525’s potential in this arena and and remarked on the significance of conducting the evaluation in Guyana’s representative mission environment.
Gerry Gouveia, representing Roraima Airways and partners with Omni Helicopters, voiced excitement for the opportunity this project presents to the aviation community in Guyana. He highlighted the project’s dedication to enhancing Guyana’s aviation and oil and gas capabilities, noting the significance of showcasing the Bell 525 at Verticon 2025, thereby representing Guyana on an international platform.
The operational evaluation program includes approximately 500 flight hours scheduled over a six-month period, during which the Bell 525 will participate in the 200 flights per month program managed by Omni. The evaluation focuses on operational resilience, supply chain strength, and the aircraft’s durability under frequent ground handling activities, reflective of the demands of live commercial operations in Guyana.
The collaborative offshore evaluation program for the Bell 525 helicopter marks an important milestone in enhancing aviation and oil industry capabilities in Guyana. Through rigorous operational testing over several months, the program aims to validate the aircraft’s performance in real-world conditions. With key stakeholders expressing confidence in the aircraft’s suitability for offshore missions, this initiative opens a pathway for advanced helicopter operations in the region.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
