Global AirParts has expanded its helicopter part-out program to include the Leonardo AW139 intermediate twin, citing the market's “significant overcapacity” of rotorcraft and noting that many helicopters remain idle and may never fly again. The Abbotsford, British Columbia-based company previously focused its part-out business on the Sikorsky S-76.

With a large, active worldwide fleet, the AW139 presents Global AirParts with an opportunity to use its proprietary part-out system on a helicopter model other than the S-76. “The sum of the parts is greater than the whole in this market, and we’re likely to see more of these,” said Global AirParts founder and CEO Mike Pirang. “This particular AW139 would have required millions of dollars in maintenance to return to service, which is not economically viable in the current environment.”

Pirang argued further that the purchase of recycled parts such as main rotor blades and cabin interior liners represents a better use of a company’s resources. The recycled parts that are fully inspected and certified by Transport Canada and FAA approved repair stations also serve to lower direct operating costs.