Lieutenant General Cartaxo Alves from Portuguese Air Force said: “We look forward to this agreement ensuring sufficient engines to support operational tasks during the period. The contract reaffirms the excellent working relationship that exists between us and Safran.”

Frederic Fourciangue, Safran Helicopter Engines Support France VP, said: “This contract marks a major milestone in our partnership with Portuguese Air Force. We are extremely proud of this new commitment for a GSP contract to support RTM322-powered rotorcrafts. We are committed to offer world-class support to the Portuguese Air Force”.

Safran said that under its Global Support Package (GSP) the customer receives a commitment to have serviceable engines available whenever they need them. Other GSP principles include budget stability, fixed price per engine flying hour and a technical partnership with the OEM.

Over 38 engines are now covered by Safran’s GSP.