Heli-One, a provider of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, announced it has been appointed by Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) to provide In-Service Support for CH-146 Griffon helicopters operated by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND), in a contract valued at over C$150 million over five years and five optional years, commencing April 2024.  

Heli-One’s In-Service Support was chosen by Bell in support of its own $2.28 billion, 15-year contract with the Canadian government, which was announced last month.  

Under the contract, Heli-One will be a sub-contractor and key supplier to Bell whereby Heli-One personnel will provide first and second-line maintenance services onsite at military bases across Canada, in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.

Heli-One has been providing embedded maintenance services for Bell and the DND’s fleet since 2016, and this agreement represents an extension and expansion of services already provided.  

Commenting on the agreement, Yves Letourneau, Director, ISS Program at Bell said: “As a leading company in helicopter maintenance, Heli-One has demonstrated a strong track record in accountability and driving increased aircraft availability while providing valuable operational flexibility to Bell and the DND in the provision of Canada’s national defence. Heli-One’s highly skilled workforce of experts brings decades of knowledge, while its industry-leading best practices and innovative technology will support the Griffon helicopter for many years to come.”  

Heli-One is also a supplier to Bell under the $800-million Griffon Limited Life Extension contract awarded by the Canadian government to Bell in April 2022, whereby Heli-One will incorporate modifications to modernize the CH146 helicopter and extend the life of the fleet.  

“We are delighted to continue our strong collaboration with Bell in the support of the Canadian Department of National Defence and the sustainment of the CH146 helicopter. Our highly skilled personnel are dedicated to providing the highest levels of service, safety and quality. We are proud to support the members of the Canadian Armed Forces in performing their critical missions,” said Carolyn Forsyth, general manager, Sales, Heli-One.