Robinson R88 makes South American debut at LABACE

Robinson Helicopter Company has brought its R88 light utility helicopter to South America for the first time, displaying the 10-seat aircraft at the Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE) 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil, from 4–6 August.

The R88 is aimed at operators seeking a higher-capacity alternative to light single-engine helicopters without the operating costs associated with larger twin-engine aircraft. Robinson is positioning it for a range of missions, including helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), utility operations, agribusiness, and corporate transport.

Powered by a Safran Arriel 2W turboshaft engine producing approximately 950shp, the R88 can carry two pilots and eight passengers, with more than 2,800lb (1,270kg) of internal payload. Robinson cites an endurance of more than 3.5 hours and a range exceeding 350NM.

The aircraft has a 275ft³ cabin with a flat floor and a fold-down rear door designed to facilitate stretcher loading and the carriage of bulky equipment – features intended to support rapid reconfiguration between missions.

The company said the R88 was designed to combine multi-mission capability with relatively low operating costs and straightforward maintenance. Robinson’s President and CEO, David Smith, and Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Robyn Eagles, attended LABACE to discuss the aircraft with Latin American operators.