An Important Mission
As for Airbus itself, this arrangement is not only important to ensure the success of the customer, but also unique in its structure. I know that all customers and their success is important, but c’mon, this is NASA! Space explorations, rockets, astronauts, and helicopters – I cannot think of many things cooler than that. Romain Trapp, president and head of the North American region of Airbus Helicopters Inc., seems to agree.
“Airbus has a long history of partnership with NASA, and the new helicopters are another step in this journey,” Trapp said. “It’s a dream for many of the Airbus employees to work on helicopters that will, in their own way, help support the agency’s mission of putting the first woman and then next man on the moon in the next few years. I myself have dreamed of space exploration since I was a kid, and being able to see the NASA logo being painted onto one of our helicopters – it’s amazing. It’s been an immense honor to work with everyone at NASA, and their professionalism and commitment to the same values of quality and safety as Airbus is what allows this relationship to continue to advance.”
The deal doesn’t stop at purchase though; it goes much further to include a $15 million HCare Infinite “full-availability” support solution. HCare Infinite is the Airbus highest level of customer support and requires the company to guarantee the customer’s full fleet operational availability including maintenance, technical support, and the supply of spare parts, tools, and consumables. The contract
52 Jan/Feb 2021
In front of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Bell Huey 2 (left) and Airbus H135 helicopters perform one flight together before the Hueys are retired from their service. Photo: Kim Shiflett / NASA
initially covers the first two years with an option to extend up to 10 years. “Our customers’ success lies in their ability to ensure aircraft are ready to take off the second they need them, and our HCare support solutions provide the guarantee that we have taken care of everything to ensure their full fleet availability,” said Anthony Baker, vice president of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters Inc. “Our entire team is extremely proud to support the future of space exploration by providing both new helicopters and full support services to NASA.” Additionally, Airbus will be responsible for the helicopter flight operations by stationing two pilots, two mechanics, and one program manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
“With this new HCare contract, NASA is relying on Airbus’s manufacturer expertise for the comprehensive management of all support and service needs. The OEM experience and knowledge will provide support as NASA transitions from an aging aircraft fleet into the advanced H135 helicopter,” said David Ramsey, chief of flight operations at NASA Kennedy Space Center, in a written statement.
Given the current space exploration renaissance, by all accounts the Airbus Helicopters-NASA agreement is as high-profile and high- flying as it gets. One thing is certain: all parties involved should be over the moon about the partnership.
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