Omni Helicopters International and Bell’s Collaborative Operational Evaluation of the Bell 525 in Guyana

Omni Helicopters International and Bell’s Collaborative Operational Evaluation of the Bell 525 in Guyana

Omni Helicopters International (OHI) and Bell Textron Inc. have initiated a comprehensive offshore operational evaluation program for the Bell 525 Relentless helicopter in the Guyana Basin. This joint effort aims to rigorously assess the aircraft’s performance in real-world conditions, focusing on operational resilience, supply chain robustness, and durability under frequent ground handling activities both onshore and offshore.

Program Overview and Objectives

The evaluation is slated to commence later this year, pending type certification, with the Bell 525 expected to accumulate approximately 500 flight hours over a six-month period. A key objective is to integrate the helicopter into Omni’s existing high-tempo operations in Georgetown, Guyana, thereby exposing it to the demands of daily flight planning and scheduling. The aircraft will undertake missions to various offshore installations, undergoing routine loading, unloading, and refueling to simulate actual field conditions.

Phased Evaluation Approach

The evaluation will proceed in structured phases, beginning with basic operations and progressively introducing more complex scenarios. Initially, the focus will be on assessing the Bell 525’s maintainability and performance during standard missions. Subsequent phases will incorporate advanced operational elements such as diversions and offshore refueling, aligning with Omni’s typical operational tempo of three return flights per day.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook

While ExxonMobil, Omni’s customer in Guyana, is not directly participating in the trial, the company will support the evaluation by permitting landings on its offshore rigs. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both Omni and Bell to ensure that the Bell 525 meets the rigorous demands of offshore operations. The insights gained from this evaluation are expected to be instrumental in refining the aircraft’s design and operational protocols, paving the way for its broader adoption in the offshore oil and gas sector.

This initiative not only highlights the strategic partnership between Omni Helicopters International and Bell Textron Inc. but also marks a significant step toward enhancing the operational capabilities of the Bell 525 Relentless in demanding offshore environments.